The state of Florida is bubbling over with signs of life. Our warm, humid weather enables plants, insects, and animals to thrive year-round. There are tons of different bugs that inhabit our area. Some you’ll never actually come in contact with, but others become a frustrating part of our lives as we use pest control to keep them away from our homes and families. One such pest is the ant. Ants are vast in number and type. There are thousands of types of ants worldwide, but just a few impact us here in Central Florida. Keep reading to learn more about our area’s six most common ants.
Pharaoh Ants
One species that you are probably familiar with but may not recognize the name of is the pharaoh ant. Pharaoh ants are small, light in color, and notorious for being problematic inside buildings. Pharaoh ants, also known as sugar ants, are attracted to sweet flavors and often are found in kitchens, bathrooms, or any areas around the home or a building where they can find a food source.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants can be notoriously difficult to control because they have an interesting ability to leave a trail of food behind them to ensure they don’t visit the same place more than once. This makes them difficult to treat. Like many other kinds of pests, argentine ants love warm, damp environments, making Florida an ideal home.
Ghost Ants
Ghost ants are as creepy looking as their name suggests. With a small black head and a large transparent-looking bottom, they seek humidity and can often be found building nests in the ground, in rotten trees, beneath piles of leaves, or inside planters. They’re great at gaining access to your home, and while they don’t sting or bite, they are difficult to get rid of.
Carpenter Ants
Named for their voracious appetite for wood, carpenter ants behave similarly to termites. These very large ants chew through wooden structures, not to eat them, the way termites do, but to create a place to build their nest. This behavior can weaken wood structures and cause visible damage that is unattractive.
Fire Ants
While some ant species build their nests underground, fire ants are generally easy to see because they make them above ground in mounds. These tiny red ants pack a very painful bite. They’re often found near water sources or in open areas like pastures or fields. Large colonies of fire ants can pose a danger to your plants and animals and inhibit your ability to spend time outside.
Pavement Ants
These ants get their name because they build their nests near or beneath your home’s sidewalks, driveways, or foundations. Like all the other ants we’ve discussed today, pavement ants are drawn to your home in search of food and safety. All of Florida’s pests love our warm and damp environment.
Identifying the ants in and around your home is the first step to you successfully eliminating them. However, you don’t need to worry so much about the identification of each type of ant. We have that covered! What’s most important is that you have someone to call when a pest control need arises. If you are dealing with an unsightly ant problem in your home, contact our office today. We’re here to help.
