Indianapolis is home to a wide range of residential neighborhoods, green spaces, and varying seasonal weather. These factors create a perfect environment for ants to thrive. As temperatures warm up in the spring and summer, ants often begin invading homes and businesses in search of food, moisture, and shelter. This makes ant infestations a frequent issue for property owners throughout the Indianapolis area.
Abell Pest Control in Indianapolis provides reliable ant control services for homes, apartments, and commercial properties. Our licensed technicians will perform a thorough inspection to find where ants are coming in, determine what’s attracting them, and apply targeted treatments. Our goal is to remove the infestation at its source and prevent it from coming back.
Our team in Indianapolis is trained to accurately identify the species involved and choose the most effective solution based on the behavior and nesting habits of the ants. Early detection and treatment are key to stopping an infestation before it worsens.
Carpenter Ants are wood-destroying pests that build nests by chewing through damp or decaying wood. Though they don’t eat wood like termites, they tunnel through it to create space for their colonies. These ants usually nest around moist areas such as windows, bathrooms, or leaky basements. They can enter your home through cracks, wood rot, or loose siding. Outside, they prefer decaying tree trunks or wet firewood. Inside, they target hollow spaces like door panels and wall cavities. Seeing large black ants crawling indoors, especially at night, is a strong indicator of a carpenter ant infestation.
These small, dark brown ants are often seen in cities and suburbs, where they nest beneath sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. Known as pavement ants, they commonly invade homes through small cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards. Though they’re not aggressive, they may bite or sting when disturbed. Homeowners typically notice them by the long trails they form while foraging.
These tiny yellow ants are highly adaptable indoor pests. Pharaoh ants form large, multi-queen colonies and reproduce by budding, making infestations difficult to contain. They prefer warm, moist spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, or hidden voids behind walls. Often found in healthcare facilities, apartment complexes, and food-handling areas, they pose a threat by spreading pathogens and contaminating food and sterile surfaces.
Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)
Citronella ants, also called large yellow ants, are common throughout North America. They have a yellow to yellow-brown color and give off a citrus-like odor when crushed. These ants prefer moist areas like soil, under logs, or near building foundations. Although they don’t harm humans or contaminate food, they can become a nuisance when they swarm indoors during warm months. Unlike other ants, citronella ants feed on honeydew from underground insects, not household food.
Big-headed ants are distinguished by the large size of their heads compared to their bodies. They prefer to nest in soil, particularly under concrete slabs, tree roots, old wood, and garden debris near buildings. Although they do not eat or damage structural materials, their numbers can become overwhelming. Environmental changes like excessive rain or drought can push them indoors. These ants thrive in subtropical environments found worldwide.
Should I try DIY ant control or call a professional?
DIY ant products may offer brief relief, but they rarely eliminate the colony. Nests often hide in walls, under floors, or outdoors, so the problem returns without professional help. Abell’s licensed technicians identify the species, locate nests, and apply targeted treatments for lasting results. We provide fast, expert service, one-time or year-round, available 24/7 and backed by decades of experience and our satisfaction guarantee.
What types of ants are commonly found in homes in Indianapolis?
Several ant species are known to invade homes and businesses in the Indianapolis 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?
How do I know if I have an ant infestation?
If any of these signs are present, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection with Abell Pest Control in Indianapolis.
What can I do to prevent ants from getting into my home?
Regular pest control inspections can catch early signs of a problem before it grows.
What is the difference between carpenter ants and termites?
While both pests damage wood, they behave differently:
A trained pest control expert can confirm the pest type and recommend the best course of action.
How much does ant control cost in Indianapolis?
The cost of professional ant control varies based on:
Abell Pest Control can typically provide a free estimate after a brief phone consultation or inspection.
