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Ants in the Kitchen? A Friendly Guide for Ellis County Homes

Writer: Daniel Jernigan
Daniel Jernigan
6 hours ago
2 min read

A trail of ants on the counter is one of the most common things Ellis County homeowners deal with. Here are a few helpful answers from Texas A&M AgriLife.

What kind of ant is in my kitchen?

Knowing the species is the first step, because different ants call for different approaches. Texas A&M says the key is to learn which species you have and find where the colony is nesting. Some ants nest indoors, while others nest outside and come in just to look for food. Spraying ant trails kills only a few foraging workers and can even cause a colony to split into two or more colonies, so the goal is to eliminate the nest itself.

One you may meet: carpenter ants, among the larger ants in Texas homes. Texas A&M says our carpenter ant species are not usually destructive, but they can be a nuisance. They prefer existing cavities or softer material, especially near moisture, and nest in spots like doors, window frames, and walls. Winged carpenter ants indoors generally mean a nest is in the structure.

Are these flying ants or termites?

Here is how to tell them apart:

  • Ants have a pinched, narrow waist, elbowed antennae, and front wings that are longer than the back wings.

  • Termites have a thick waist, straight antennae, and four wings of about equal length.

If you find termite swarmers indoors, Texas A&M says that is a reliable sign of an infestation, and it's a good idea to have your home inspected.

Why are fire ants coming indoors during dry weather?

During heat and drought, fire ants nest deeper and stop building mounds. They are more likely to come indoors looking for food and water, often showing up in bathrooms, utility rooms, or near the water heater. Treating the yard outside can help with fire ants that forage inside.

Can I get AgriLife to identify a bug for me?

Yes. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers insect identification and urban pest advice, and your county Extension office is a good place to start.

Need a hand?

If you'd rather have a local pro take a look, Stroope Pest Control is happy to help. We're locally owned, right here in Ellis County, and we serve Waxahachie, Red Oak, Midlothian, Ennis, Ovilla, Glenn Heights, Italy, and Forreston.

When you have problems, we have solutions. Call (972) 938-2129.

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