Ant or Termite Infestation? / Am I doomed?

[Chitowncy]

I found these critters exploding out of a crevice outside our house where a concrete slab meets the basement foundation wall and the driveway. Basically, the intersection of those places. We live in Ames. What kind of ants are these, or are they termites? Can someone identify? There were literally thousands exploding out. It was alarming. I appreciate the knowledge on this board very much.

Once identified, my second question would be: am I doomed? Hah! We have a brick house with a wood patio area that seemed to be infested with carpenter ants but when we had a bug inspector several years ago come out he basically shrugged and thought it was no big deal. Maybe these are carpenter ants?

CF default: Kill it with fire? Serious responses most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[BoxsterCy]

I found these critters exploding out of a crevice outside our house where a concrete slab meets the basement foundation wall and the driveway. Basically, the intersection of those places. We live in Ames. What kind of ants are these, or are they termites? Can someone identify? There were literally thousands exploding out. It was alarming. I appreciate the knowledge on this board very much.

Once identified, my second question would be: am I doomed? Hah! We have a brick house with a wood patio area that seemed to be infested with carpenter ants but when we had a bug inspector several years ago come out he basically shrugged and thought it was no big deal. Maybe these are carpenter ants?

CF default: Kill it with fire? Serious responses most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Lemon ants, not termites. I made an ant farm and had these guys in them when I was a little kid in NE Iowa. Also known as citronella ants.

 

[Chitowncy]

Lemon ants, not termites. I made an ant farm and had these guys in them when I was a little kid in NE Iowa. Also known as citronella ants.

That's a relief.... I suspect. So, it begs the question, are they harmless or should I call in a pro to get rid of them? Appreciate it, Boxster.

 

[DeereClone]

That's a relief.... I suspect. So, it begs the question, are they harmless or should I call in a pro to get rid of them? Appreciate it, Boxster.

Spray the crack and other susceptible areas with tempo insecticide.

 

[BoxsterCy]

That's a relief.... I suspect. So, it begs the question, are they harmless or should I call in a pro to get rid of them? Appreciate it, Boxster.

Harmless, they do swarm this time of year. Crush a couple and you can smell lemon/citronella. Little boy Boxster thought they were pretty cool.

Thanks for the flashback memory.

 

[BoxsterCy]

Spray the crack and other susceptible areas with tempo insecticide.

Why? They are totally harmless and you never even notice them until they swarm.

 

[coolerifyoudid]

Terro ant baits worked really well when we had an ant issue. 2-3 days pretty much wiped out the colony.

 

[DeereClone]

Why? They are totally harmless and you never even notice them until they swarm.

I know they’re harmless but don’t want them getting in my house. I live in a 130 year old farmhouse that’s not the “tightest” so that may impact my perspective.

 

[StClone]

Why? They are totally harmless and you never even notice them until they swarm.

Lemon ants, not termites. I made an ant farm and had these guys in them when I was a little kid in NE Iowa. Also known as citronella ants.

Yeah, I remember these little guys in mounds in Prickly Ash stands. Between the Prickly Ash citrus smell (it is in the citrus family) and the ants the clean acrid limey/lemony/slightly orange scent is potently nostalgic.

 

[mynameisjonas]

That's a relief.... I suspect. So, it begs the question, are they harmless or should I call in a pro to get rid of them? Appreciate it, Boxster.

Definitely hire a pro, get em out.

 

[StClone]

Spray the crack and other susceptible areas with tempo insecticide.

This species has no interest in human foods and doesn't really do any harm. But like all non-poisonous snakes, bats and spiders people tend to see nothing positive.

 

[BoxsterCy]

I know they’re harmless but don’t want them getting in my house. I live in a 130 year old farmhouse that’s not the “tightest” so that may impact my perspective.

Unless your house is full of root aphids they aren't going to be hanging out in your house.

 

[StClone]

I know they’re harmless but don’t want them getting in my house. I live in a 130 year old farmhouse that’s not the “tightest” so that may impact my perspective.

They don't live in houses. They have very specific needs and living outside along your foundation unnoticed is the extent of it.