Dealing with ants in your Columbus, Ohio home or business? You’re not alone. The region’s seasonal climate, vibrant neighborhoods, and urban green spaces create perfect conditions for ants to thrive. During spring and summer, ants become especially active, often invading buildings in search of food, water, and nesting sites.
Abell Pest Control offers expert ant control services throughout Columbus and the surrounding areas. Our licensed technicians conduct thorough inspections to identify the source of the infestation and apply proven, targeted treatments that eliminate ants quickly and efficiently. Whether you own a residential property, manage rentals, or operate a commercial facility, our customized ant control solutions provide long-term protection.
Accurately identifying the ant species is essential for effective treatment. Our Columbus pest control experts understand local ant behaviors and tailor their methods to eradicate colonies at their source.
Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are tiny, pale yellow ants with darker abdomens. They form massive colonies with multiple queens and reproduce by budding, which allows them to spread rapidly indoors. These ants thrive in warm, humid environments such as wall voids, kitchens, and bathrooms, and are especially difficult to eliminate. Common in apartments, hospitals, and restaurants, they contaminate food and surfaces and can carry bacteria like Salmonella and Staphylococcus, posing serious health risks
One of the most common signs of a carpenter ant problem is spotting large, black ants indoors during warmer months. These ants’ tunnel into wood to create nests, especially in moist or decaying areas like attics, wall studs, and under windows. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but cause similar damage through excavation. They usually gain access via cracks, wood rot, or roof eaves. Outdoors, they nest in logs or tree stumps. Carpenter ants are nocturnal, so nighttime activity is often the first clue of their presence.
Often seen in and around homes, pavement ants are small, dark brown ants that thrive in urban settings. They build nests under sidewalks, driveways, and foundations, and typically enter homes through small structural cracks. While not particularly dangerous, they may sting or bite if disturbed. Their highly visible trails make them one of the easier ant species to spot.
Citronella Ant (Large Yellow Ant)
The citronella ant, also known as the large yellow ant, is commonly found across many regions of North America. Recognizable by their yellowish-brown color, these ants emit a lemony scent when crushed. They typically nest in moist areas like beneath logs, within damp soil, or near the bases of buildings. While they aren’t harmful to humans and don’t spoil food supplies, their habit of invading homes during warm weather can become a nuisance. Rather than scavenging for human food, citronella ants primarily consume the sweet honeydew produced by subterranean insects.
Recognizable by their disproportionately large heads, big-headed ants frequently build nests in soil close to man-made structures. Common nesting spots include under patios, foundations, fallen logs, and landscape debris. While they’re not known for damaging buildings, their sheer colony size can make infestations hard to manage. Normally found outdoors, these ants may enter homes during heatwaves, heavy rains, or other environmental shifts. They are prevalent in warm, humid regions across the globe.
Should I try DIY ant control or call a professional?
Over-the-counter ant sprays and bait traps may reduce visible activity, but they rarely eliminate the root of the problem. Ant colonies often nest behind walls, beneath floors, or outdoors in hard-to-reach areas. Without proper treatment, ants typically return.
Abell Pest Control offers professional ant extermination services throughout Columbus. Our licensed technicians are trained to identify the exact species, locate hidden nests, and use targeted treatments designed for long-lasting results in residential and commercial properties.
Whether you're facing a small ant problem or a larger infestation, our team provides fast, reliable service backed by decades of experience and a satisfaction guarantee.
What types of ants are commonly found in homes in Columbus?
Several ant species are known to invade homes and businesses in the Columbus area. The most common include:
Correct species identification is essential to applying the most effective treatment and preventing future infestations.
Which types of ants are most harmful?
Identifying the species helps determine the risk level and the urgency of treatment.
How do I know if I have an ant infestation?
Here are some common signs of an ant problem in your home:
If any of these signs are present, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection with Abell Pest Control in Columbus.
What can I do to prevent ants from getting into my home?
To reduce the risk of an ant infestation in your Columbus home:
Regular pest control inspections can catch early signs of a problem before it grows.
What is the difference between carpenter ants and termites?
