With more than 700 ant species found in the U.S. and over 25 species that love to call your home, their home. It’s no wonder that the number 1 nuisance pests in America are Ants. They live up to this reputation quite well, with colonies ranging an average of 3,000- 4,000 and with their ability to fit into just about anywhere; it’s no wonder that Ants are America’s top Pest. Incredibly smart and social, Ants typically live in underground colonies, made up of workers and a queen. They are fairly easy to identify with three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen, as well as antennae. Florida is home to more than six species of ants, all of which can become overwhelming during the rainy season. Take a Look at this quick Floridian Ant Identification guide to help you know what you are dealing with:
Six Types of Floridian Ants and How to Identify Them
Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta): Probably the most well known of all the ant species, Fire ants, live up to their reputation as being nasty little critters. They are far more aggressive than other species and will kill small animals that get in their way. Their sting can be quite painful and can cause severe reactions in allergic people.
Crazy ants(Paratrechina longicornis): These ants are very hard to control as they wonder far distances in search of food with no pattern in site. They like to live in shrub beds, often near patio slabs. Primarily outdoor ants, they occasionally become a nuisance inside. They are sweet-feeders.
Big-headed ants (Pheidole megacephala): A sweet-feeding ant that looks similar to a fire ant but does not bite. Big-headed ants are often perimeter nesters but will forage inside. Often mistaken for termites, these ants leave dirt and debris tubes that look surprisingly similar to the dirt tubes of termites.
Ghost ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum): Ghost ants are tiny, almost translucent ants often called sugar ants. They are sweet-feeders that will nest indoors or outdoors.
Carpenter ants (Formica ligniperda): Large black-and-red ants. Like fire ants, carpenter ants have a stinging bite but don’t swarm in attack. Often called bull ants, they are not as destructive to wood as the carpenter ants found in the northern United States. Like most ant varieties, they spread colonies by producing swarms of winged ants that can often be seen flying inside.
White-footed ants: Relatively new to South Florida, white-footed ants present a control problem because they will not carry bait back to the nest.
Peace of Mind You Can Count On!
These are just a few signs and pest prevention tips you can use to fend off those unwanted guests. Fortunately, RH Miller Pest Services has been immersed in the Central Florida area in cities like Maitland for over a quarter of a century. Our experts are committed to getting results for your home or business. As with all of our services, our process starts with a free estimate. Call our offices today @ 321-316-3971 set up your free estimate! No one should have to share a space with any sort of pests!
