Ants communicate through a combination of chemical signals (pheromones), touch, and sound. Pheromones help them trail and mark territories, establish food sources, and coordinate their activities.
Foraging Patterns
Ants are primarily scavengers and can forage over large areas in search of food. They follow scent trails left by other ants, leading them to food sources and back to the nest.
Carpenter ants come in a variety of colors from reddish brown to dark brown. Carpenter ants chew through wood to make a nesting site for their young. They originate from a main colony outside. They generally are in the ground 3’ below the surface, but can also maintain a main colony in a moisture laden stump or woodpile, or in wall voids of the house.
Modoc Carpenter Ant
Vicinus Carpenter Ant
Herculeanus Carpenter Ant
Argentine ants are small, light to dark brown ants These ants are skilled foragers, seeking out food sources and water inside homes. They are attracted to sweets, meats, and other food residues.
Fire ants are notorious for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. These reddish-brown or black ants build dome-shaped mounds in open areas such as lawns and gardens. Fire ants are highly territorial and will fiercely defend their nests if disturbed. When they bite, they inject a venom that causes a burning sensation and can lead to itchy, painful welts or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Pavement ants are small ants. They get their name from their preference for nesting under pavements, sidewalks, and driveways. Pavement ants are typically dark brown or black in color. These ants form visible trails as they forage for food.
Odorous house ants are a common household pest. These small, dark brown or black ants get their name from the foul odor they emit when crushed, often described as smelling like rotten coconut. Odorous ants are attracted to sweets, meats, and other food sources, making them frequent kitchen invaders. Odorous ants have multiple queens within their colonies, which can lead to rapid population growth.
Moisture ants, also known as cornfield ants are ants that are attracted to moisture. They are typically yellowish or light brown in color. These ants are often found in areas with high humidity, such as damp basements, crawl spaces, or areas affected by water leaks or moisture problems. Moisture ants are attracted to decaying wood and damp materials, making them potential indicators of moisture-related issues in homes. Effective control of moisture ants involves identifying and rectifying the moisture source, such as fixing leaks or improving ventilation.
Little Black House Ants are small ants. They are dark brown to black in color. Their persistent presence in indoor areas. These ants build their nests in various locations, such as wall voids, beneath floors, or in garden areas.
Thatching ants are a type of ant that constructs elaborate nests using plant material, such as grass or pine needles, to create a thatch-like covering. These ants are typically reddish-brown or black in color and can vary in size depending on the species. They build large mounds or nests on the ground, which can be 2 feet tall and 2 feet deep. Thatching ants are known for their aggressive behavior and can deliver painful bites or stings if their nests are disturbed. Controlling thatching ant infestations involves locating and treating their nests directly.
Harvester ants are called “harvesters” because they mainly collect and eat seeds. They have strong jaws and large heads that help them cut and carry seeds back to their nests.
Harvester ants can sting and it can be painful if they feel threatened.
Pharaoh ants are a small ant that can be found indoors. They are light yellow to reddish-brown in color.
