Ants

Understanding Ant Colonies: What You Need to Know

Learn More About Ants

Ants are one of the most common pests we deal with here in Oklahoma, and understanding the functioning of your colony will help you recognize early signs of invasion. Flatline Pest Control removes the functionality of these small invaders because we believe that our informed customers are enabling them.

Worker Ants are the backbone of the colony. Wingless and always busy, they take care of everything from feeding the Queen and the Young to nest structure and defense. You often see them when you're looking for food, but this usually becomes a problem in your home or business.
The Queen is the center of the colony. Some species have a queen (called monoguin colonies), while others have a few queens (polygy). The Queen is born with wings that are washed away after pairing. Your main job? Lay eggs. In fact, one queen can produce thousands of descendants in her life.
Male ants, also known as drones, are working. They are bigger than the workers and have wings, but do not help other tasks in the colony. After pairing, they usually die immediately. Your life may be short, but your role is extremely important to the growth of a new colony.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I know if I have an ant infestation?

Frequent sightings of ants—especially in kitchens or near food—often indicate an infestation. Other signs include visible trails, small mounds of soil near walls or foundations, and recurring ant activity despite cleaning.

What attracts ants into my home or business?

Ants are mainly attracted to food and moisture. Crumbs, spills, pet food, and even standing water can draw them in. Unsealed entry points like cracks or gaps around doors and windows make it easy for ants to get inside.

Are ants dangerous?

While most ants aren’t harmful, some species can contaminate food or cause damage. Carpenter ants, for example, tunnel through wood and can weaken structures, while fire ants can deliver painful stings.

Why do ants keep coming back after I clean them up?

Cleaning removes the visible ants, but not the colony. Ants leave behind scent trails that lead others to food sources. Until the nest is located and properly treated, they’ll continue to return.

Can I get rid of ants on my own?

DIY methods like bait stations or natural repellents can offer temporary relief, but for large or recurring infestations, professional pest control is the most effective and long-lasting solution.

How do professionals eliminate ant infestations?

Pest control experts identify the ant species, locate the nest, and use targeted treatments such as baiting, barrier sprays, and exclusion methods to eliminate the colony and prevent future invasions.

Common Ants Found in Oklahoma Homes

Oklahoma’s warm weather and varied terrain create the perfect environment for ant activity—especially during spring and summer. Whether you’re in Guthrie, Edmond, Norman, or anywhere throughout the Oklahoma City metro, ants can quickly become a persistent problem both indoors and out.

At Flatline Pest Control, we’re experts in identifying and eliminating the types of ant infestations most common to Oklahoma homes. Here’s what you should know about the usual suspects.

Carpenter Ants in Oklahoma: Biology & Control

Carpenter Ant Description:

Carpenter ants pose a significant threat to Oklahoma homeowners—particularly in older homes, humid environments, or places where wood is exposed to moisture.

These ants are notoriously difficult to eliminate and often require a combination of treatment methods for effective control.
While the Black Carpenter Ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) is the most commonly seen species, we also come across red, brown, and multi-colored carpenter ants—especially in areas like Lake Arcadia, Guthrie, and rural parts of Oklahoma.
Carpenter ants are polymorphic, meaning their size can vary significantly, even within a single colony. Don’t be fooled—smaller ants could still be carpenter ants!
Carpenter ants are drawn to damp, decaying wood found around windows, decks, leaky roofs, and crawl spaces. This makes homes near wooded areas or lakes particularly susceptible to infestations.
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t consume wood, but they tunnel through it, leading to considerable structural damage.
Carpenter ants frequently establish satellite nests within your home, while the primary colony typically remains outdoors, often in tree stumps or firewood piles.
If you notice sawdust combined with dead ant bodies near baseboards or windows, it’s a clear sign of carpenter ant activity.
Once established indoors, carpenter ants can overwinter and remain active throughout the year, particularly if they find warmth and moisture.

Carpenter Ant Control Tips:

Remove woodpiles, old stumps, and damp vegetation around your foundation to reduce attractants for carpenter ants.
Seal leaks, repair rotting wood, and keep gutters clear to prevent moisture buildup near your home.
Trim trees and shrubs away from the structure—overhanging branches can serve as pathways for carpenter ants.

Our Flatline Solution:

Our process begins with a thorough inspection of your home, both inside and out, to identify both the primary and satellite colonies. We then use a blend of advanced bait systems and non-repellent liquid treatments that the ants unknowingly distribute throughout the colony, effectively eliminating them from within.

Carpenter ant infestations can be a significant issue, but with Flatline Pest Control, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is safe and protected.

Pavement Ants in Oklahoma: Biology & Control

(a.k.a. Sugar Ant or House Ant)

Pavement ants are one of the most common household invaders in Oklahoma. They’re small but persistent, and while they don’t cause structural damage, they can be a major nuisance in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages.

These ants often nest in cracks in sidewalks, driveways, patios, and even in slab foundations—something especially common in neighborhoods throughout Edmond, Stillwater, and Moore.
Colonies can contain thousands of workers and multiple queens.
Pavement ants sometimes establish indoor nests in walls, under floors, or inside insulation near heat sources—perfect spots during colder Oklahoma winters.
While they usually swarm in spring and summer, winged ants may appear year-round inside heated buildings.
They’ll eat just about anything: meat, sweets, pet food, bread, and even grease.
Typically brown to black in color, they range from 1/16 to 1/8 inch long and have slightly lighter-colored legs and antennae.

✅ Pavement Ant Prevention Tips:

Wash dirty dishes promptly and avoid leaving them in the sink overnight.
Sweep and mop regularly to keep crumbs and spills off the floor.
Avoid leaving pet food out all day, especially near walls or heat vents.

🧰 Our Flatline Solution:

We start with a detailed inspection to locate nests, entry points, and conducive conditions. Using the latest gel baits and non-repellent liquid treatments, we target the colony at the source. These modern products allow pavement ants to transfer insecticides throughout their nest, eliminating the problem entirely—not just the ants you can see.

🧯 Ant Problems? Let Flatline Take Care of It.

Whether you're dealing with destructive carpenter ants in your woodwork or annoying pavement ants in your kitchen, Flatline Pest Control has you covered. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout central Oklahoma, offering expert diagnostics, proven treatments, and long-term prevention strategies.

📍 Serving Guthrie, Edmond, Oklahoma City, Norman, Stillwater, and surrounding areas.

Schedule your ant inspection today—let’s stop the invasion before it takes over.

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