Types of Ants: A Comprehensive Guide to Ant Identification and Control

Ants are social creatures that build communities or colonies indoors and outdoors. There are many different species of ants, and while each is unique to a specific region, some types of ants exist almost everywhere. All ants are resilient, possessing the ability to adapt to changing environmental factors rapidly.

Although these insects might seem like a nuisance, they play an important ecological role. By burrowing to build colonies, ants aerate the soil and make it easier for moisture to reach the roots of plants. They contribute to the healthy growth of foliage, which, in turn, provides sustenance for both wildlife and people.

As ants enter your home, however, they can become a bigger problem. By spreading bacteria and germs, they can adversely affect your and your family’s health.

Understanding Ant Diversity

There are approximately 12,000 species of ants, making up a global population of around 20 quadrillion. Each species requires a specific climate, diet, and nesting materials. This means that not all ant species are found in every part of the world.

While you can recognize some ant species by their appearance, many look quite similar. To correctly identify a species, it’s important to observe their behavior, diet, and nests or colonies.

Common Types of Ants in the United States

Although there are thousands of ant species in the U.S., you may not see more than three types of ants in any given region. In North America, there are four common species of ants, and each species populates a different part of the continent.

Carpenter Ants

These ants are larger than most common species, reaching up to 5/8” in length. They’re especially destructive since they thrive on moist or damp wood. Keep an eye out for them in basements and attics since they’re attracted to the wood framing in homes and commercial buildings.

Fire Ants

It’s difficult to miss an infestation of fire ants because of their distinctive reddish coloring. They range in size from 1/8” to 3/8” and are most active in open, sunny areas. Look for them around large mounds of soil. These aggressive ants sting rather than bite, leaving large, painful welts that can also cause allergic reactions.

Pavement Ants

Growing up to 1/8” in length, pavement ants are most often dark brown or black. They earn their name because they’re commonly found nesting in pavement cracks. They can also infest homes, where they’ll contaminate any exposed food.

Pharaoh Ants

Although pharaoh ants are very small, reaching only 1/16” in length, they’re easy to spot due to their golden color. They thrive in warm environments with high humidity, such as hospitals, restaurants, and assisted living facilities. In homes, they typically infest kitchens and bathrooms. Pharaoh ants are difficult to control, as they may build multiple colonies or nests. Speedy extermination is important since these ants are known to spread salmonella, staph infections, and clostridium (botulism).

Ants With Unique Behaviors

While any species of ant can become a nuisance, the following types are most difficult to manage. These ants can become problematic in various environments, and their behaviors make them particularly interesting to study.

Crazy Ants

Although their coloring ranges from dark brown to black, crazy ants can appear to have a bright gray sheen. These ants move erratically and can adapt to almost any environment. You might find crazy ants nesting under rugs and carpets. Rainy weather can also chase them into your home. Once inside, they’ll nest in large areas and become a growing nuisance.

Odorous House Ants

These small brown or black ants thrive in soil but can infest a home’s flooring just as easily. They emit an odor when crushed. They ordinarily nest in large colonies and contaminate exposed food. Watch for them in kitchen cabinets, fruit bowls, and pantries.

Global Varieties of Ants

There are certain types of ants in the world that are worth looking out for when you travel abroad. To avoid bringing them home, make sure you inspect your luggage for these stowaways while vacationing in foreign countries.

Leafcutter Ants

Leafcutter ants have unusual dietary needs. They strip the leaves off plants and transport them to their underground colonies, where they process them to extract fungi. In turn, the fungi produce a liquid that the ants consume. Although leafcutter ants live underground in tropical rainforests, they may also damage crops on farms.

Bullet Ants

Found mainly in the humid rainforests of Central and South America, these stinging ants rarely come into contact with humans. When they sting, the site of the wound can be extremely painful for up to 24 hours. Otherwise, the sting isn’t harmful. Unless you disturb a nest, you’re unlikely to ever see bullet ants.

Effective Ant Control Measures

There are two primary methods for dealing with ants in your home: prevention and treatment. The following tips will help you create an effective strategy.

Preventive measures for reducing the risk of an indoor ant infestation include:

Sealing crevices and holes in windows, doors, and basement walls
Transferring food from cardboard boxes and bags to sealable containers
Maintaining low humidity throughout the home
Cleaning food and beverage spills immediately
Avoiding leaving pet food out overnight

It’s a good idea to wear insect repellent clothing to guard against ant bites when visiting areas where ant infestations are likely.

If an infestation has already occurred, there are control strategies that can help you treat it. Acting promptly to eliminate an ant infestation will help you avoid a bigger problem.

Consider taking the following measures:

Placing ant baits throughout problem areas
Using non-repellent insecticides to kill more ants quickly
Using products formulated for the specific type of ants in your home

If an infestation seems too big or widespread for these simple tactics, you may need professional pest control services.

Use Your Ant Knowledge to Stay Protected

Now that you know more about the types of ants common in the United States, you’ll be better prepared to protect against them. Each type of ant has different needs regarding food, shelter, and environment, and you’ll have more success when you customize your prevention and control methods. Keep your home ant-free for better property maintenance and a healthier family.

An effective method for helping repel biting ants is the use of permethrin spray and permethrin-treated clothing, accessories and gear. Permethrin is a synthetic chemical that acts as an insect repellent and insecticide. When applied to clothing, gear, and outdoor surfaces, permethrin provides long-lasting protection by deterring ants and other insects.