The warm, humid climate allows insects in Florida to thrive throughout the year. Bugs are literally everywhere. Some keep to themselves and never cross paths with us. Others show up right where we live, eat, and sleep. Ants fall into that second category. There are thousands of ant species across the globe, but only a few regularly cause problems here in Central Florida. While some remain out of sight, others become a routine frustration, pushing homeowners to turn to pest control for help.
Here are six ant species you’re most likely to encounter in our region.
Carpenter Ants
These ants are easy to spot because of their size. Carpenter ants are large and known for their destructive behavior around wood. Unlike termites, they don’t eat the wood. Instead, they chew through it to hollow out space for their nests. That chewing weakens the structure over time and often leads to visible damage. Carpenter ants can leave a mess behind and create long-term structural issues if left untreated.
Fire Ants
You won’t have to look hard to find fire ants. Their nests are usually above ground and easy to identify by the mound formations they build. These small, reddish ants are known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior. Fire ants are often found near water or out in open areas like pastures and fields. Fire ants can also threaten outdoor activities, damage landscaping, and harm pets or livestock if colonies grow large enough.
Ghost Ants
Ghost ants are strange-looking and just as sneaky as their name implies. They have dark heads and pale, almost see-through bodies that make them look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. These ants prefer moisture and tend to build their nests underground, in rotten wood, under leaf piles, or inside flower pots. Once they make it inside your home, they’re difficult to track down and even harder to remove.
Pharaoh Ants
Tiny, light-colored, and quick to spread, pharaoh ants are a well-known indoor pest. You may know them by another name: sugar ants. These ants are always on the lookout for something sweet and are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and any space where food or moisture is within reach. Once a colony is established indoors, they’re likely to stick around unless professional treatment steps in.
Big Headed Ants
Big headed ants are named for the oversized heads of their soldier caste, which helps them defend the colony. These ants usually nest in the soil outside but can find their way indoors by hitching a ride on a potted plant or yard equipment. Once inside, they scavenge for pantry food and occasionally attack houseplants.
Acrobat Ants
These ants get their name from the way they lift their heart-shaped abdomens into the air when disturbed. Acrobat ants prefer to live in moist environments outdoors but sometimes make their way inside, especially if there’s access to insulation or wiring. Acrobat ants have a bad habit of chewing through insulation around wires, which can lead to electrical issues if ignored.
Identifying the ants around your home is a helpful step, but you don’t need to worry about learning all the different species. That’s what we’re here for at Holder Pest Control. What matters most is knowing who to call when ants start turning up where they don’t belong. If you’re dealing with unwanted guests in or around your home, contact our office today.
