How to Identify Different Types of Ants Found in South Carolina Homes
If you’ve ever spotted a trail of ants marching across your kitchen counter or discovered a nest in your backyard, you’re not alone. Ants are one of the most common household pests in South Carolina, and while many seem similar at first glance, different species have unique behaviors, nesting habits, and risks. Knowing what type of ants you’re dealing with is the first step toward effective control—and long-term prevention.
At Team Veterans Pest Control, we help homeowners across the state identify and eliminate ant infestations quickly and effectively. Here’s your guide to the most common types of ants found in South Carolina homes—and how to spot them.
1. Carpenter Ants
Appearance: Large (¼–½ inch), typically black or dark brown
Where You’ll Find Them: Inside walls, around wooden structures, or in damp areas like basements
Carpenter ants are some of the most destructive ants in South Carolina. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood—but they do hollow it out to build their nests. This can lead to serious structural damage over time.
Signs of Infestation:
- Piles of wood shavings
- Rustling noises in walls
- Swarmers (winged ants) in spring
If you suspect carpenter ants, contact Team Veterans Pest Control right away for a thorough inspection.
2. Odorous House Ants
Appearance: Small (⅛ inch), brown or black
Where You’ll Find Them: Kitchens, bathrooms, and near moisture sources
Odorous house ants are named for the rotten coconut smell they emit when crushed. These ants are primarily nuisance pests but can contaminate food and become difficult to eliminate once a colony is established indoors.
Signs of Infestation:
- Long trails of ants in search of food
- Nesting indoors in wall voids or under flooring
They reproduce quickly, so early detection and treatment by Team Veterans Pest Control is key.
3. Fire Ants
Appearance: Reddish-brown, ⅛ to ¼ inch long
Where You’ll Find Them: Yards, driveways, gardens, and sometimes indoors
Fire ants are aggressive and known for their painful stings, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Their mounds are often found in sunny, open areas.
Signs of Infestation:
- Dome-shaped mounds in lawns or around foundations
- Swarming behavior when disturbed
- Stings from aggressive ants when walking barefoot outdoors
Don’t try to handle fire ant nests yourself—let Team Veterans Pest Control eliminate the risk with safe, professional treatment.
4. Pavement Ants
Appearance: Dark brown to black, about ⅛ inch long
Where You’ll Find Them: Sidewalk cracks, driveways, patios, and foundations
Pavement ants are commonly seen forming trails across concrete and can also invade kitchens in search of food. Though less destructive than carpenter ants, their colonies can still be difficult to remove without professional help.
Signs of Infestation:
- Trails of ants along tile or concrete
- Dirt piles or tiny mounds near cracks in pavement
- Entry through small gaps in doors and windows
These ants often go unnoticed until they’ve already established a colony near your home.
5. Argentine Ants
Appearance: Light to dark brown, about ¹⁄₁₆ inch long
Where You’ll Find Them: Kitchens, under appliances, or outside near foundations
Argentine ants are notorious for forming large colonies with multiple queens. This allows them to spread rapidly and outcompete other ant species. They prefer sweet foods and moisture, making your kitchen a prime target.
Signs of Infestation:
- Trails leading from outdoor nesting sites into your home
- Ants foraging in kitchens or around sinks
- Rapidly expanding populations
If left untreated, Argentine ants can overrun a home in no time.
How to Prevent Ant Infestations
No matter which type of ants you’re dealing with, prevention is key. Here are a few tips to help keep them out:
- Seal Entry Points: Use caulk to close cracks around doors, windows, and foundations.
- Eliminate Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills promptly.
- Control Moisture: Fix leaks, use dehumidifiers, and clean gutters regularly.
- Trim Landscaping: Keep tree branches and shrubs away from the home’s exterior.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Professional pest control helps catch infestations early before they spread.
Why Choose Team Veterans Pest Control?
When it comes to identifying and eliminating ants in your home, experience matters. At Team Veterans Pest Control, we bring military precision, customer-first service, and proven pest control strategies to every job.
As a veteran-owned business, we proudly serve the communities of South Carolina with honesty, integrity, and excellence. Whether you’re dealing with a minor ant issue or a full-blown infestation, you can count on our team to get the job done right.