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About Jack DeAngelis
Expertise
I can answer questions about the control of pest insects, spiders, mites and related arthropods. These household pests include termites, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, nuisance ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, wasps, and many others. I can also answer questions about using pesticides and other pest control tools such as baits and traps.

Experience
I am a retired university extension entomologist. I've taught and conducted research in urban and agricultural entomology. I've published over 70 extension publications, 20 research publications and several books about insects.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Entomology

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Pest Control - small ants in basement

Expert: Jack DeAngelis - 11/4/2009

Question
i have an old farm house with a field stone basement wall (that leaks like a siv). this morning i went down to the basement and saw a large mound of small, brownish/red ants on the WALL. the ants were in a pile about 4 inches across and about 3/4 inch deep. i saw this about a year ago too, in the same spot. when i came home tonight the ants were gone - save for about 20 around the hole they must have come in through. what kind of ants are these. they didn't bring any dirt in. just a pile of 1000s of ants.

Answer
Shawn,

There are hundreds of species of ants most of which are small and nest in the soil. Your best bet is to collect a few and take them to your local Cooperative Extension office where someone can examine the sample. If you can't locate an Extension office post a follow up with your county and state names and I can help you find it.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com

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