Not all ants look and act the same. Find identifying characteristics of the different types of ants in our area below.
Carpenter Ant
Identification: Carpenter ants are black in color. Workers are 1/8-1/2 inches long, but queens can be ½-5/8 inches long. They have one node segment. They have a circular ring of hairs at the end of their abdomen.
Behavior, Habitat and Diet: Carpenter ants nest in rotted logs and stumps outdoors. Inside, they will form nests in decayed wood along window frames, along utility lines and along plumbing lines as they enter the home. Carpenter ants travel along trails up to 300 feet. They feed on insects, honeydew, fruit and plant juices.
Pavement Ant
Identification: The Pavement Ant is light brown to black in color with light brown legs. The antennae consist of 12 segments. The head has grooved parallel lines. They are about 1/8 inch long. The do have a stinger, but rarely use it.
Behavior, Habitat and Diet: Pavement Ants have colonies that contain up to 4,000 workers. Their nest is usually located inside walls, in insulation, and under floors. They are most often found in masonry walls of the foundation near a heat source in the winter. Outside, they will nest in cracks in pavement. They feed on almost anything including both dead and living insects.
Odorous House Ant
Identification: Odorous House Ants are 1/16 – 1/8 inch long. They have dark brown or black bodies. Their antenna have 12 segments. They do not have a stinger. When crushed, these ants radiate an awful smell that smells similar to spoiled coconut!
Behavior, Habitat and Diet: Colonies consist of several hundred to 100,000 ants. Colonies found in your home usually consist of 2,000 – 10,000 ants. These ants live both indoor and outdoor. Outside, they nest in mulch beds and under debris. Indoors, they nest inside walls, beneath the floor and under sinks. These ants like to be around moisture. They prefer to eat sweets including honeydew and pastries. They will also eat grease, milk and meats.
