Can Ants Live In Walls? What You Need To Know

Have you ever noticed a steady stream of ants mysteriously appearing inside your home, even though your kitchen is spotless and windows are closed?

You might wonder, can ants live in walls? The answer is yes, and the truth might surprise you. Ants are incredibly resourceful and can easily establish colonies inside wall voids, feeding off tiny food particles and moisture.

In this article, we will explore how ants manage to live inside walls, the signs you should look out for, the risks involved, and, most importantly, how to get rid of them for good.

 

Getting to Know Ants: Nature’s Quiet Invaders

Can ants live in walls? Before we answer this question and other related questions, it is important that we know what this pest looks like, where it lives, and other important information that could help get rid of it.

There are over 10,000 different species of ants around the globe. You can recognize ants by the narrow section between their abdomen and thorax that resembles a slim waist.

Their bodies are protected by a tough outer shell known as an exoskeleton. Most ants are typically red or black and range in size from 1/3 inch to 1/2 inch long.

Like all insects, they have six legs, and each leg has three joints. Ants have large heads equipped with compound eyes, bent antennae, and strong jaws.

An ant colony comprises three types of adult ants: the queen, female ants, and male ants.

• Queen Ants:

The largest member of an ant colony is the queen ant. Their major role is to lay eggs, and they also have wings.

The queen ants tend to live up to thirty years (30 years). Depending on the species of ant and how big the colony is, there might be one or several queens present.

• Female Ants:

Female ants are smaller than queens; they do not have wings and cannot reproduce. They start from fertilized eggs and can survive for as long as three years.

Female ants, known as workers or soldiers, are responsible for taking care of the eggs, looking after the larvae, building and repairing the nest, finding food, and protecting the colony.

• Male Ants:

Male ants develop from unfertilized eggs and are often referred to as drones. In contrast to female ants, male ants possess wings and are able to mate with the queen.

They are significantly smaller than female ants and possess longer antennae. Males leave the colony only for a single day to mate before they typically die within 10 to 14 days afterward.

 

Read also: What Kills Termites Instantly? How To Get Rid Of Termites Quickly

 

Ant Reproduction

An ant’s life cycle consists of four main stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The queen produces eggs, which develop into larvae after several days.

The vulnerable larvae are cared for by worker ants until they reach the pupal stage. In just over a week, an adult ant emerges, completing its metamorphosis.

 

Ant Habitat Facts

Ants are social insects that create structured communities in nests all over the world. The kind of environment they like varies by species; some live underground, others build mounds on the ground, while some can be found in wooden buildings or inside plants and trees.

In colder areas, ants become inactive during the winter months. However, in warmer climates, they remain active throughout the year.

These nests are usually made from soil and plant materials.

 

Can Ants Live In Walls?

Can ants live in walls? Absolutely, ants can make their homes inside walls.

They are very adaptable and might build nests in the spaces within walls, especially if they find conditions that are just right, such as moisture, warmth, and easy access to food and water.

Ants can get into walls through tiny cracks, holes, or places that have been damaged by water.

 

Why Do Ants Live in Walls?

Can ants live in walls? We know now that they can from the information above, but why do they even live in these walls? Below are reasons why ants live in walls:

• Protection and Shelter: Walls provide a dark and concealed environment that is less likely to be disturbed by outside factors such as temperature fluctuations or predators.
• Moisture and Food Sources: Ants are drawn to damp areas, which often occur in walls due to leaks or condensation. They can also discover food within these walls, such as small insects or food crumbs.
• Warmth and Insulation: Walls can create a cozy environment, particularly during the colder months, making them appealing to ants.

 

Which Ant Species Live in Walls?

A good number of ant species are known to make their nests inside walls. Identifying the specific type of ant is crucial for effectively dealing with an infestation.

Below are some ant species you might find hiding in your walls.

Carpenter Ants:

Carpenter ants like to nest in moist wood. They do not consume the wood but instead remove it as they tunnel through, which can weaken the structure and lead to damage.

These ants measure between 3.4 and 13 mm long and usually have bodies that are black or reddish-brown.

Acrobat Ants:

Acrobat ants prefer nesting in wood that has been damaged by other insects or moisture. They also enjoy insulation for their nests.

Interestingly, these ants possess a heart-shaped abdomen that they can raise above their heads. They measure around 3 mm in length and come in colors ranging from light brown to black.

Moisture Ants:

 

Ants known as moisture ants, including citronella and cornfield ants, thrive in damp environments. Moist, decayed wood mixed with soil is the major component of a moist ant’s nest.

These ants are typically yellow or a light brown color and can grow as long as 4.5 mm.

Little Black Ants:

True to their name, little black ants are tiny, the smallest measuring just 1.5 mm, and completely black. They prefer warm areas near moisture sources.

While they typically reside outdoors, they will venture inside and into your walls if they find an opportunity.

Odorous House Ants:

Odorous house ants prefer damp areas and commonly make their nests in walls close to pipes. Odorous house ants are 3 mm long and are usually dark brown.

Odorous ants release a rotten coconut-like smell when smashed.

Pharaoh Ants:

Pharaoh ants invade homes in search of food and shelter, often settling in moist spots like kitchens and bathrooms.

Unlike many other ant species, pharaoh ant colonies can have several queens that leave the original nest to create new ones. Pharaoh ants measure about 2 mm in length and are a yellowish-brown shade.

 

Read also: How to Get Rid of Bees in Walls Without Sprays and Chemicals

 

How Can You Tell if Ants Are Inside Your Walls?

You might not often check the space behind your walls, but there are some signs that can help you detect an ant infestation. Here are some clues to look for:

• Foraging Ants: Worker ants venture out from the nest to find food for their colony. Observing lines of ants is a typical indication of an infestation.
• Nest Debris: As ants construct their nests, they remove wood and other materials. Piles of sawdust, dead ants, or bits of insulation can indicate an infestation.
• Mysterious sounds: Carpenter ants can create noises while they dig tunnels. If you hear strange rustling noises, it could be these ants at work.
• Hollow Wood: Nests made inside wooden structures can compromise their strength and lead to hollow areas. Tapping on the walls may help you locate areas that sound hollow.

 

FAQs: Can Ants Live In Walls?

Can Ants Really Live Inside My Walls?

Yes, ants can live in wall voids, especially if there are cracks, warmth, and access to food or water. Carpenter ants, in particular, are known for nesting in wood structures inside walls.

How Do I Know if Ants Are Living in My Walls?

Common signs include hearing rustling noises, spotting ants entering and exiting wall cracks, or finding frass (wood shavings) near baseboards or electrical outlets.

What Type of Ants Live in Walls?

Carpenter ants, Pharaoh ants, and Argentine ants are common wall dwellers. Carpenter ants are the most destructive, as they tunnel through wood to build their nests.

Can Ants in Walls Cause Structural Damage?

Yes, especially carpenter ants. Over time, they can hollow out wooden structures, weakening walls and potentially causing significant damage.

How Can I Get Rid of Ants Living in the Walls?

You can use ant baits, non-repellent sprays, or hire professional pest control services. It is important to eliminate the entire colony, not just surface ants.

Are Ants in Walls Dangerous to My Health?

While most ants do not bite or transmit diseases, their presence can contaminate food and trigger allergies in some people. Large infestations can also attract other pests.

Can I Use DIY Methods to Remove Ants From Walls?

Yes, using bait stations, sealing entry points, and applying diatomaceous earth near baseboards can help. However, persistent or large infestations often require professional help.

 

Read also: How to Get Ants Out of Your Walls?

 

Conclusion

Can ants live in walls? Ants frequently decide to make their homes in walls because these areas offer a secure place with convenient access to food and water.

Walls protect them from bad weather and threats from predators, and they can easily get inside through small cracks and gaps.

Moreover, some ant species are attracted to the warmth and moisture present in wall spaces, especially near pipes or insulation.

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