People don’t realize how many different types of ants exist. There care more than 700 different types of ant species in the United States. However, many people don’t understand how many health risks pests can pose. These were recently voted the number one nuisance pest in America. Today we will discuss the top five most commonly seen types of ants.
European Fire Ants
These are commonly called fire ants or imported red fire ants. Workers are the most commonly seen of these species. They are about 4-5 millimeters long. During warmer weather, these species of ant form nests in a wide range of outdoor terrain such as gardens, lawns, and shrubbery. During the colder season, they love to hide under bathtubs, water heaters, and stoves. These type of ants are quite aggressive and can produced a very painful sting when bothered. They are most commonly found in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Canada.
Argentine Ants
Worker ants are commonly found to be between 2.2 and 2.8 millimeters long. They vary in color from a light brown to a very dark brown. In the summer, these ants prefer a shadier, cooler spot and during the winter they prefer to be indoors. They are found within wall insulation and voids in the walls. When they are stepped on they emit a very awful musty smell. This species of ant does not have the ability to sting. These ants are most commonly found throughout the Southeastern United States, California, and Hawaii.
Carpenter Ants
There are many variations of this species across the United States. This species of ant are seen as some of the most destructive types of insects. Due to there being such a large number of species, their bodily characteristics can vary widely. The average length of a carpenter ant is between 6 and 13 millimeters. They don’t actually eat wood, but the excavate it so they can use it for their nests. The primary nest of these ants is outside in trees or lumber. If they happen to end up indoors, they can be found in the roof and woodwork found near water. Homes found in a wooded area are at the most risk for structural damage. This species can sting and will if their nest is disturbed.
Crazy Ants
These ants range in length from 2.2 millimeters to about 3 millimeters. They are black-brown with extremely long legs and antennae. These ants do not discriminate about where they nest. They form colonies in moist or dry environments. When found outdoors they will nest in soil, heavy vegetation, plants, and garbage. When indoors, they can be found under carpets, in wall voids, and in houseplants. Crazy ants do not have stingers, but they move around erratically if disrupted, which is where they get their name. They are spread throughout the United States, but are especially common along the Gulf Coast. Species in their subfamily include the Caribbean Crazy Ants, and the Robust Crazy Ant. The latter two just stated are commonly found in Florida. These are all considered home invaders.
