Plank Termite & Pest Control
Pest ID: Ants
Ants Invading Your Home or Business?
Effective Ant Control in Rolla, MO and Central Missouri
Ants are one of the most persistent and frustrating pests for property owners in Rolla and the surrounding Central Missouri region. Whether you’re seeing long trails of ants in your kitchen or mounds near your foundation, these tiny intruders can contaminate food, damage structures, and overrun your space quickly. Carpenter ants can hollow out wood, while species like Odorous House Ants leave behind a foul smell when crushed. Ant infestations are not only unsightly—they can become expensive and difficult to manage without expert help. At Plank Termite & Pest Control, we offer proven, professional ant control solutions to eliminate the problem and keep ants from coming back.
Signs to Watch For
How to Tell If You Have an Ant Infestation
Ants are great at hiding, but they always leave signs. Left untreated, a small issue can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation that’s difficult to manage on your own. If you notice any of the indicators below, it’s time to take action.
- Trails of ants moving to and from food or water sources
- Small piles of dirt or sand near the foundation (possible nest sites)
- Hollow-sounding wood or sawdust piles (carpenter ants)
- Ants found inside cabinets, sinks, or baseboards
- Faint greasy or rotten smell (common with Odorous House Ants)
- Winged ants emerging from walls or floorboards
Call or text (573) 368-3333 to schedule a professional ant inspection with Plank Termite & Pest Control.
Identify the Invaders
Common Ant Species Found in Central Missouri
Central Missouri is home to a variety of ant species, each with distinct behaviors, nesting habits, and risks. Knowing which type of ant you're dealing with is crucial for choosing the right treatment. Here are six of the most common ant species found in and around Rolla:
Carpenter Ants
These large ants (¼ to ½ inch) are typically black but may also appear reddish or bicolored. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood—but they excavate it to build their nests, which can weaken structures over time.
What to look for:
- Large black or red ants inside or around wooden areas
- Sawdust-like debris near baseboards or windows
- Hollow-sounding wood or rustling noises in walls
Field Ants
Often mistaken for carpenter ants, field ants range from ⅛ to ¼ inch and come in black, brown, or reddish hues. They build large mounds outdoors and rarely nest inside structures.
What to look for:
- Dome-shaped mounds in open grassy areas
- Ants trailing to and from foundations
- Increased activity after rain
Odorous House Ants
These small (about ⅛ inch), dark brown to black ants give off a strong, rotten coconut smell when crushed. They’re highly attracted to sweets and moisture.
What to look for:
- Trails in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry areas
- Strong odor when squished
- Nests under sinks or inside wall voids
Acrobat Ants
Named for the way they raise their heart-shaped abdomens above their heads when disturbed, these ants are small (1/8 inch) and range from light brown to black.
What to look for:
- Nesting in moist wood, insulation, or foam sheathing
- Small ants that arch their bodies when threatened
- Signs of wood damage near moisture-prone areas
Pavement Ants
These ants are about 1/8 inch long and dark brown to black. They nest under sidewalks, concrete slabs, and foundation cracks.
What to look for:
- Small mounds of soil or sand along pavement cracks
- Trails entering through baseboards or expansion joints
- Ants found near kitchens or garages
Pharaoh Ants
Tiny (about 1/16 inch) and pale yellow to reddish-brown, Pharaoh ants are notorious for infesting buildings—especially warm, humid areas.
What to look for:
- Ants in pantries, bathrooms, or behind walls
- Nesting in hidden, protected spaces like wall voids or behind baseboards
- Risk of spreading bacteria and contamination
Don’t Let Ants Take Over
Contact Plank Termite & Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and let our experts identify, eliminate, and prevent ant infestations in your home or business.
What’s Bringing Them In?
Common Causes of Ant Infestations in Central Missouri
Ants don’t show up without a reason. They’re drawn to food, moisture, and easy entry points. Here’s what might be inviting them in:
- Crumbs, grease, and food left on counters
- Pet food bowls or trash bins left uncovered
- Leaky pipes or standing water around sinks and tubs
- Gaps under doors, around windows, or in foundations
- Tree branches or shrubs touching your home’s exterior
Even clean homes can attract ants if there’s moisture or easy access. Our team can help identify and fix the source.
Protect Your Phelps County Home Year-Round
How to Prevent Ants from Coming Inside
Stopping ants before they get in is the best defense. Follow these tips to reduce your risk:
- Wipe down counters and sweep floors regularly
- Store food in airtight containers
- Take out trash daily and seal garbage bins
- Fix plumbing leaks and reduce indoor moisture
- Seal entry points around doors, windows, and utility lines
- Keep landscaping trimmed away from your home’s exterior
Our Perimeter Guard Pest Control Plans offer proactive protection designed specifically for Mid-Missouri properties.
Our Promise to You
We back our services with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Contact Plank Termite & Pest Control today to schedule professional ant control in Rolla and the surrounding Central Missouri area—you’ll get a better job at a better price, every time.
Steven Doyon
Excellent Service.
Monica Davis
Josh did an outstanding job the four times he was at my house. I will definitely be recommending plank pest control.
Larry Lyle
My 2nd time doing business with this locally owned and highly recommended company. The trchs were extremely thorough in the indoor and outdoor assessment and did a great job with answering all questions. Prices are more than reasonable especially when compared to other “big name pest control” businesses. We are subscribed to future services now as well. A+
Nicholas Peters
Great service at an excellent price. Technicians are prompt and always discuss options for treatment around the home.
Chris Kallaos
Plank always does a great job for us. They show up when they say they will, and their treatments are effective.
