Common Types of Ants

Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.) are large, typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size, and are known for nesting in damp or decaying wood, which can cause significant structural damage to homes [4, 5]. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but tunnel through it to create galleries for their colonies, often favoring trees, poles, and wall voids [4].

Fire Ants (Solenopsis spp.) are well-known for their painful, burning stings and aggressive defense of their nests [3, 4]. They build large mounds in open, sunny areas and are a major pest in both urban landscapes and agricultural settings [3, 4].

Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile) are small, dark brown-to-black insects that emit a coconut-like odor when crushed [13]. They are frequent household invaders that contaminate food sources, commonly trailing in large numbers to kitchens in search of sugary foods [13].

Leafcutter Ants (Atta and Acromyrmex spp.) are tropical species that create massive underground colonies [1]. They cut leaves to feed a fungus they grow inside their nests, rather than eating the foliage directly [13].

Click on Fire ants and Odorous ants.