Finding ants in your kitchen is an all-too-familiar experience for many Northwest Arkansas residents. Whether you’re in Bentonville, Centerton, or Cave Springs, two of the most common culprits are little black ants and odorous house ants. These tiny invaders are more than just a nuisance; they can signal larger pest issues and be tricky to eliminate.
Here’s what you need to know about these ants and how to protect your home in our unique region.
🐜 Little Black Ants (Monomorium minimum)
What They Look Like
- Tiny, only about 1.5 to 2 mm long
- Shiny, dark black in color
- Uniform in size among the workers
Why They’re in NWA Homes
These ants thrive in our temperate Arkansas climate, especially in suburban areas with ample greenery and moisture. In places like Centerton backyards or Cave Springs neighborhoods with wooded surroundings, little black ants easily nest in soil, mulch beds, or cracks in driveways.
Once inside your Bentonville kitchen, they’re on the hunt for sweets and greasy foods. Leave out a crumb or a sticky spill, and they’ll let the whole colony know.
Where They Nest
- Outdoors: under logs, stones, mulch
- Indoors: behind walls, under appliances, in baseboards
🐜 Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile)
What They Look Like
- Slightly larger than little black ants, around 2.5 to 3 mm
- Brown or black in color
- Emit a rotten coconut smell when crushed
Why They’re a Local Issue
In homes across Bentonville’s newer developments or Cave Springs’ scenic residential areas, moisture-rich environments like under sinks or near dishwashers make perfect nesting spots. These ants are highly adaptive and will quickly relocate their nests, especially after spring rains, which are common in Northwest Arkansas.
Where They Nest
- Outdoors: under mulch, stones, or landscaping features
- Indoors: near hot water pipes, sinks, or leaky spots
🧼 How to Keep Your Kitchen Ant-Free in Northwest Arkansas
Whether you’re enjoying a new build in Centerton or renovating a home in Downtown Bentonville, ant prevention starts with cleanliness and sealing up entry points.
Local Prevention Tips
- Sweep up crumbs daily, especially if you have kids or pets
- Clean under toasters, stoves, and fridges
- Seal cracks around doors, windows, and foundations
- Fix any moisture issues under sinks or in crawl spaces
When to Call a Local Pro
If ants keep returning no matter what you do, it may be time for professional pest control. At Rid-a-Pest, we understand the specific pest pressures in Bentonville, Centerton, and Cave Springs. Our ant-targeted treatments go beyond surface sprays to eliminate colonies at the source.
🚫 Final Thoughts: Ants May Be Tiny, But the Problem Isn’t
Don’t let ants take over your kitchen. Whether it’s the persistent little black ants or the smelly odorous house ants, early identification and proper treatment are key. If you live in Northwest Arkansas, you’re not alone. These pests are part of the local ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean they need to be part of your home.
Need help? Contact Rid-a-Pest for fast, local expertise that gets real results.
📍 Serving Bentonville | Centerton | Cave Springs
