How to Get Rid of Little Black Ants
A tiny, jet-black, shiny ant that nests in lawns, under rocks and in wall voids. Workers form narrow trails to sweets, grease and meats. If you are seeing them in the kitchen and in lawns and grass, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Locate outdoor nests near the foundation and treat them with bait
- Keep counters clean and food sealed
- Caulk cracks around windows and baseboards
Little black ants have a sting too weak to feel; they are a nuisance only.
Confirm you have little black ants
Start by confirming the bug. Little Black Ants have a few features that set them apart. Adults measure 1.5–2 mm (up to about 0.08 in) and are usually black. Look for these features:
- Very small, glossy jet-black body
- Two nodes in the waist
- Slow-moving, narrow single-file trails
They are most often confused with odorous house ant, Pharaoh ant and longhorn crazy ant. See the full little black ant profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have little black ants
Little Black Ants come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in spring and summer, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see little black ants
Little Black Ants are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: kitchen and lawn or grass.
Step-by-step: getting rid of little black ants
Step 1: Locate outdoor nests near the foundation
Locate outdoor nests near the foundation and treat them with bait. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.
Step 2: Keep counters clean
Keep counters clean and food sealed. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.
Step 3: Caulk cracks around windows
Caulk cracks around windows and baseboards. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
- Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
- Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
- Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Call a licensed pest control company if you still see little black ants after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.
How to keep little black ants from coming back
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
- Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
- Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
- Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.
Safety notes
Little black ants have a sting too weak to feel; they are a nuisance only.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About ants
The little black ant is one of the ants. Ants live in colonies ruled by one or more egg-laying queens. The workers you see are sterile females foraging for the rest of the colony, so killing visible ants rarely solves anything. Winged ants, called swarmers, appear when a mature colony sends out new kings and queens.
Bait works because workers carry it back and share it with the queen and larvae. Repellent sprays can scatter the colony and make the problem harder to fix.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of little black ants?
Locate outdoor nests near the foundation and treat them with bait. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are little black ants dangerous?
Little black ants have a sting too weak to feel; they are a nuisance only.
When are little black ants most active?
Little Black Ants are most active in spring and summer.
What do little black ants look like?
Very small, glossy jet-black body. Adults measure 1.5–2 mm (up to about 0.08 in).