Ants

ACROBAT ANTS

Ants

Acrobat Ants

Acrobat ants are found throughout the United States. They can raise their abdomen over their thorax and head, this is how they get the name acrobat. Acrobat ants eat live and dead insects and feed on honeydew. Acrobat ants can enter homes by traveling on tree limbs and utility lines. They will then enter the home through cracks and holes around windows, door thresholds and other spots. They can bite when threatened. They can also strip electrical or telephone wires causing short circuits.

ACROBAT ANTS CREMATOGASTER SPP

Pest Stats

Color:
Light brown to black, sometimes multicolored
Legs
6
Shape
Long, segmented; heart-shaped abdomen
Size:
1/16 – 1/8” (2.5 – 4 mm)
Antennae:
Yes
Region:
All


VELVET ANT

velvet ant

Velvet Ant

A velvet ant is a stinging insect that is actually a wasp. They are usually found one at a time. The name velvet comes from the female that is fuzzy and wingless. They have a very potent sting only found in the female.

VELVET (“COW KILLERS”) ANTS DASYMUTILLA OCCIDENTALIS

Pest Stats

Color:
Black, with areas of very bright red, orange, yellow or white
Legs
6
Shape
Females – wingless, ant-like; Males – winged, wasp-like
Size:
1/8 – 7/8” (3-23 mm)
Flight:
Yes
Antennae:
Yes
Region:
Found throughout U.S
States:
All 50


ARGENTINE ANTS

Argentine Ants

Argentine Ants

Argentine ants are brown to black. They have very large colonies and can have several hundred  thousand workers in a colony.  Argentine ants like to eat sweets, but will eat most anything. Colonies are usually located near a food source. The nests are usually found under shallow areas such as stones and boards. Argentine ants may seek shelter when the weather is too dry or wet. These ants do not pose a health threat.

ARGENTINE ANTS LINEPITHEMA HUMILE

Pest Stats

Color:
Dark brown to black; shiny
Legs
6
Shape
Segmented; oval
Size:
1/16″ – 1/4″
Antennae:
Yes
Region:
Mainly Southeastern U.S. States
States:
AL,AR,CA,FL,GA,IL,LA,MD,MS,MO,NC,OR,SC,TN,WA


CARPENTER ANTS

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants excavate wood to build nests. The tunnels inside wood are the result of the excavation. Carpenter ants need a water source. They will enter the home through damaged wet wood.

CARPENTER ANTS CAMPONOTUS SPECIES

Pest Stats

Color:
Usually red, black or a combination
Legs
6
Shape
Segmented; oval
Size:
5/8″
Antennae:
Yes
Region:
Throughout U.S., most common in the North
States:
CO


CRAZY ANTS

harvester-ants

Crazy Ants

The name crazy ant comes from erratic running in a jerky manner when looking for food. Crazy ants enter homes in the fall or after rainfall. They eat insects, fruits, seeds and honeydew. They do not pose a health threat but can be a nuisance when they come indoors

CRAZY ANTS PARATRECHINA LONGICORNIS (LATREILLE)

Pest Stats

Color:
Dark brown to black with gray sheen
Legs
6
Shape
Long, segmented
Size:
1/16 – 1/8” (2.2 – 3.0 mm)
Antennae:
Yes
Region:
All
States:
All 50