Ants: General Information, Types, Harmful Effects, and Control

Acrobat ants get their name from their habit of raising their abdomen over their thorax and head when disturbed. They are often light red to brown and are found throughout the United States. They can be a pest when they enter homes in search of food and moisture.

Allegheny mound ants are recognized for constructing large mounds in fields and forests. They are reddish and dark brown to black and primarily found in eastern North America. They can cause damage to ornamental plants.

Argentine ants are small, light to dark brown ants notorious for forming supercolonies. Native to Argentina, they have now spread to many parts of the world. They can displace native ant species and become a significant pest in homes.

Bigheaded ants get their name from the larger size of the soldiers’ heads in comparison to their bodies. These ants are typically reddish-brown to dark brown and are found worldwide. They are common household pests.

Army ants are known for their aggressive foraging groups. They don’t construct permanent nests, instead forming living bivouacs. Species of army ants are found in many parts of the world and can vary greatly in size and color.

Carpenter ants are large ants that excavate wood to create nests, which can cause structural damage. They are typically black but may have reddish or yellowish coloration. They are found worldwide.

Citronella ants are named for the lemon or citronella odor they emit when crushed. They are usually yellow to light brown and often found in damp, wooded areas.

Despite the name, Cow Killer Ants are a species of wingless wasp, known for their extremely painful sting. They are also called Velvet Ants due to their dense hair which is often bright red or gold.

Elongate Mexican Twig Ants are slender and orange-brown to dark brown, often found in thorny vegetation. Native to Mexico, they are now also found in the southern United States.

Field ants vary in color from black, brown, red, to bicolor combinations. They often build mounds in open fields, hence the name. They can bite or sting when disturbed.

Crazy ants exhibit erratic and rapid movements, thus earning their common name. They can be a significant pest in homes, especially in the southern United States.

Fire ants are known for their aggressive behavior and painful sting. They are reddish-brown and often build mounds in open areas. They can cause significant damage to agriculture and are a health risk to humans and pets.

Ghost ants are tiny with a dark head and thorax and a translucent abdomen and legs, leading to their ghost-like appearance. They can become a nuisance in homes where they seek out sweet foods.

Grease ants are tiny ants that prefer high-protein foods like grease, hence the name. They can be found in many parts of the world and become pests in homes and restaurants.

Harvester ants get their name from their behavior of collecting seeds, which they store in the colony to eat later. They are generally red and are often found in arid regions. Their sting is excruciating.

Leafcutter ants are famous for their unique behavior of cutting leaves and using them to cultivate fungus gardens inside their colonies. They are typically brown or reddish and are found primarily in South and Central America.

Moisture ants are usually yellow to dark brown and prefer moist areas to establish their colonies. They can cause structural damage to buildings by nesting in damp wood.

Odorous ants are small, dark brown or black ants that emit a rotten coconut-like smell when crushed, thus their name. They are common across the United States and can be a significant pest in homes.

Pavement ants are small, brown to black ants known for making nests in or under cracks in the pavement. They are found throughout North America and Europe.

Pharaoh ants are tiny, light yellow to red ants known for being a major indoor nuisance. They can spread pathogens, making them a significant concern in hospitals.

Pyramid ants are usually reddish-brown or black and get their name from the pyramid-like projection on the top of their thorax. They prefer dry, sandy areas and are often found in the southern United States.

Queen ants are female reproductive ants responsible for laying all the eggs in a colony. They are typically larger than the other ants in the colony and can live for many years.

Rogers ants are a species of pyramid ants found in the southwestern United States. They are named for the biologist who first described them.

Rover ants are tiny, ranging from pale yellow to dark brown. They often invade homes and buildings in search of food.

Honey ants are unique in using certain workers, known as repletes, to store food. These ants become engorged with sweet liquid and are later used as a food source by the rest of the colony.

Sugar ants are a common name for several species of ants that are attracted to sweets. The term often refers to species that invade homes for sugary foods.

Thief ants are tiny, yellow to brown ants known for nesting near and stealing food from other ant colonies. They are found throughout the United States.

White-footed ants are small and dark, with a whitish color on the end of their legs. They are found primarily in subtropical climates and can become significant pests.

Winged ants are the reproductive males and females of the colony. They engage in a nuptial flight, often called the “ant wedding,” during which they mate. After the flight, males die, and females lose their wings and go on to start new colonies.

Wood ants are a group of ants known for their mound-building behavior and preference for wooded habitats. They are primarily found in Europe and Asia, with a few species in North America and Africa.

The High Noon Ant (Formicidae meridiana) is an extraordinary species of ant native to desert environments. This sun-loving insect is named for its unique behavior of foraging for food at the peak of the day when temperatures are at their highest.

The best way to prevent ants from entering your home is to eliminate any potential food sources. This includes storing food in airtight containers, wiping down surfaces regularly, and taking out the trash frequently. You can also seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent ants from finding entry points.

Yes, many species of ants are attracted to sweet scents. This is because they are seeking out sources of sugar, which is a key component of their diet. If you notice an ant infestation in your home, it’s important to avoid leaving sugary foods or beverages out in the open, as this can attract more ants.

Some species of ants can be harmful to plants. For example, carpenter ants can hollow out trees and cause damage to the wood, while fire ants can damage the roots of plants. However, many species of ants can also be beneficial to plants by aerating the soil and controlling pests like aphids.

Signs of an ant infestation include seeing large numbers of ants in or around your home, finding ant trails leading to a food source, and noticing small piles of dirt or debris that ants have pushed out of their nests. If you’re unsure whether you have an ant infestation, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service for an inspection.

While there are many DIY methods for getting rid of ants, such as using vinegar or borax solutions, these methods may not be effective for all species of ants or for severe infestations. Additionally, some DIY methods can be harmful to pets or children if not used properly. If you’re dealing with a persistent ant problem, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service to ensure that the problem is properly identified and treated.