Ants in Lexington KY: How to ID & Get Rid of Them

Ants are small, social insects that vary in size and color depending on the species. Most ants have three distinct body segments: the head, thorax, and abdomen, along with bent antennae and six legs. In Lexington, KY, the most common ants homeowners encounter include Odorous House Ants, Carpenter Ants, Acrobat Ants, and Pavement Ants.

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What Types of Ants Are in Lexington, KY?

1. Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile)

Size: 1/16 to 1/8 inch long
Color: Dark brown to black
Key feature: Emits a strong, rotten coconut-like odor when crushed

Behavior & Habitat

Odorous house ants in Lexington invade our homes in search of food, particularly sweets. They prefer to nest in moist areas such as under sinks, wall voids, or beneath flooring. These ants are notorious for forming large colonies, making infestations difficult to control.

How to Get Rid of Odorous House Ants

✓Keep surfaces clean and free of food crumbs
✓Seal cracks and entry points around doors and windows
✓Remove standing water and fix leaks

In Lexington, KY, Odorous House Ants are among the most active foragers in spring.

2. Carpenter Ants (Camponotus pennsylvanicus)

Size: 1/4 to 1/2 inch long
Color: Black or dark reddish-black
Key feature: Large mandibles capable of damaging wood

Behavior & Habitat

There are several types of carpenter ants in Lexington, but the most common we deal with is the Black Carpenter Ant. Black Carpenter Ants are among the largest and are wood-destroying pests that tunnel through damp or decaying wood. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but instead create hollowed-out galleries for nesting. They are commonly found in attics, wall voids, and old wooden structures.

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

•Sawdust-like frass near baseboards or wooden furniture
•Rustling sounds inside walls
•Large winged ants appearing indoors

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

✓Remove moisture-damaged wood from the home
✓Trim branches away from the house to prevent easy access
✓Schedule a professional inspection to locate and treat nests

In Lexington, KY Carpenter Ants are among the most common types of ants we deal with.

3. Acrobat Ants (Crematogaster spp.)

Size: 1/8 inch long
Color: Light brown to black
Key feature: Heart-shaped abdomen that can be raised over the body

Behavior & Habitat

Acrobat ants nest in wood but prefer to inhabit voids created by other insects, such as abandoned termite tunnels. They are highly aggressive when disturbed and will lift their abdomen in a defensive posture. They often enter homes through cracks, electrical wiring, or plumbing. In Lexington, we often see acrobat ants trailing along the sides of homes and trailing into attics or along fences.

How to Get Rid of Acrobat Ants

✓Seal off entry points around windows, vents, and electrical lines
✓Eliminate moisture buildup around the home
✓Address any pre-existing termite damage that may be attracting them

4. Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum)

Size: 1/8 inch long
Color: Dark brown to black
Key feature: Parallel ridges on their head and thorax

Behavior & Habitat

Pavement ants typically nest in cracks of sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. They forage in large numbers and are particularly attracted to grease, proteins, and sugary foods inside homes. These ants are slow-moving and form distinct foraging trails.

How to Get Rid of Pavement Ants

✓Store food in airtight containers to eliminate food sources
✓Apply perimeter treatments to deter entry
✓Maintain a clean and dry kitchen

How Do I Get Rid of Ants in Lexington, KY?

While DIY methods such as baits can help manage minor infestations, professional treatment is the best way to eliminate ants at the source. At Berner Pest Solutions, our quarterly prevention plans, Berner Basic and Berner Guard, keep ants and other pests out of your home year-round. Ant control is included in every quarterly plan; see our pest control pricing for rates.

Visit our ant control services page to learn about our treatment options and schedule an inspection.

FAQ: Common Questions About Ants in Lexington, KY

Why do I keep seeing ants in my home?

Ants invade homes in search of food, water, and shelter. Small openings around windows, doors, and foundation cracks provide easy access.

Are ants dangerous?

While most ants are nuisance pests, carpenter ants can cause structural damage, and some species can contaminate food. Fortunately, Red Imported Fire Ants (a common stinging ant known in the deep south for large mounds and a painful sting) are not currently in Kentucky.

Can DIY treatments get rid of ants permanently?

Over-the-counter sprays may kill visible ants but rarely eliminate the entire colony. Professional ant control is included in our quarterly plans, and professional treatment ensures long-term control.

Think You Might Have an Ant Problem?

Drop us a line and we’ll reach out to schedule your free inspection today. Berner Pest Solutions provides pet-friendly ant control throughout Lexington, Georgetown, Nicholasville, Versailles, and surrounding Central Kentucky communities.

Schedule a Free Inspection Call (859) 880-1519

Get a Free Ant Control Quote

Seeing trails in the kitchen or big black ants near damp wood? Tell us what you’re seeing and we’ll identify the species, find the colony, and quote the right treatment. Quarterly plan rates are on our pricing page.

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