What Are Ants?

Ants are some of the most common pests found living in and around Raleigh homes. They have a complex social structure and live together in large colonies, working together for the greater good of their own colony. Ants are identified by their three distinct body regions: their head, thorax, and abdomen. The reproductive ants are the only members of the colony that are winged. When a colony is mature, reproductive ants emerge to find mates and create new colonies.

Types of Ants in North Carolina

Some common species of ants found in North Carolina are pavement ants, Argentine ants, and acrobat ants.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are most often found nesting in the cracks of pavement or cement. Pavement ants are a common species of nuisance, house-invading ant. Adults are brown to black in color, and their head and thorax are covered in grooved parallel lines.

Argentine Ants

Argentine ants live together in enormous colonies. Argentine ants are attracted to areas of high moisture, and their presence inside homes can indicate that there is an underlying moisture issue present. These small ants are shiny and dark brown to black in color. They can also be identified by a musty odor that they give off when crushed.

Acrobat ants

Acrobat ants get their name from their unique ability to raise their heart-shaped abdomen over their heads when disturbed. Acrobat ants can also be identified by the foul-smelling odor they emit when bothered. Acrobat ants are a small species of ant, and are black to yellowish brown in color, though some can be multi-colored.

Fire Ants

While most species of ants don’t do much than ruin your picnics, fire ants can ruin your whole day (or week)! Fire ants are usually red in color, can make small or very large mounds, and can be aggressive protectors of their anthills. When fire ants sense a disturbance on their nests, they will attack with a ferocious vengeance. It's important to get rid of fire ants before they become a danger to your family and pets.

Harvester Ants

Harvester ants is the name given to any species or genera of ants that collects mushrooms or seeds, which they store in their communal chambers. These ants can be beneficial when found in a garden, as they can increase seed dispersal and soil aeration. However, some types of harvester ants can also deliver painful bites and stings, so eliminating them from your property is the best course of action to protect your family.

Little Black Ants

Spotting a trail of little black ants in your home is never a fun experience. These ants are more pesky than dangerous, although they have been known to create their nests in masonry and woodwork, so they can cause structural damage to your home. Even if they aren’t causing extensive damage, the thought of sharing your home with these ants probably isn’t very appealing, especially since they reproduce quickly and build large colonies in places where they have access to food and water.

Odorous House Ants

If you catch a whiff of something unpleasant within your home, you might start spraying air freshener or cleaning up to eliminate what is causing the odor. However, that odor might be caused by something that often stays out of sight – odorous house ants. If you’re not familiar with these pesky insects, they are part of the ant family and live in areas across the United States. These ants look similar to the little black ants that tend to pop up during the warmer seasons in pantries and kitchens, but they have one distinct difference – their smell. If you step on them or they feel threatened, they will start to move erratically and release an odor that is reminiscent of rotten coconuts.