Lesser-Known but Still Troublesome Ants
In Part 1 of our series, we covered some of the most common and problematic ants found in South Carolina homes, but those aren’t the only species that cause problems for homeowners. South Carolina’s climate is a perfect breeding ground for a wide range of ant species. Some of these ants might be less well-known, but they can still become persistent nuisances when they move into your yard, patio, or pantry. Whether they’re trailing along your driveway, popping up in your kitchen, or digging up your flower beds, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.
Now we’ll take a closer look at several other ant species that South Carolina homeowners commonly encounter. Let’s break down what they look like, where they live, and what you need to know.
Pavement Ants
What Do Pavement Ants Look Like?
Pavement Ants are small, dark brown to black ants that measure about 1/8 inch long. If you look closely, you’ll notice fine lines or grooves on their head and thorax, as well as lighter-colored legs and antennae.
Where Are They Found?
True to their name, Pavement Ants commonly nest under sidewalks, driveways, patios, and foundations. They often find their way indoors through tiny cracks in search of food. You’ll typically see them in basements, kitchens, and near baseboards. Their distinctive nests are often seen along driveway cracks and gaps.
What Do They Eat?
Like most ants Pavement Ants aren’t picky. They’ll eat grease, sweets, dead insects, and even pet food. Their diverse diet makes them particularly persistent once they’ve found a food source in your home.
Pyramid Ants
What Do Pyramid Ants Look Like?
Pyramid Ants get their name from the raised pyramid-like bump on the top of their thorax. They’re small, around d 1/8 inch, and typically range from reddish-brown to black.
Where Are They Found?
They nest in sandy soil, often in sunny, open areas such as lawns, gardens, or along sidewalks. Unlike fire ants, their mounds are small and less noticeable.
What Do They Eat?
Pyramid Ants are primarily insect hunters and love feeding on honeydew. They’re considered beneficial in some outdoor settings, but their proximity to homes can become problematic if food sources are nearby.
Field Ants
What Do Field Ants Look Like?
Field Ants can vary widely in color. The range from black to red to combinations of the two, and they measure between 1/4 to 3/8 inch in length. They’re often mistaken for carpenter ants due to their size and coloration.
Where Are They Found?
They build large mounds in grassy areas, under logs, and in landscaped environments. These ants rarely enter homes but can become a nuisance in yards and gardens.
What Do They Eat?
Field ants feed on a mixture of proteins and sugars. They consume live and dead insects and are also attracted to sweet substances like honeydew from aphids. While they’re not dangerous, their large mounds can damage turf and landscaping.
Crazy Ants
What Do Crazy Ants Look Like?
Crazy Ants are another small ant. They are usually about 1/8 inch long, and their coloring ranges from dark brown to black with long legs and antennae. They get their name from their erratic, fast-moving behavior.
Where Are They Found?
Crazy Ants are highly adaptable and can nest in wall voids, appliances, under floors, and in yards. They don’t build traditional mounds and instead hide in small, protected areas. Once inside, they can be difficult to remove. They are another invasive species of ant that is quickly spreading throughout the country.
What Do They Eat?
These ants eat a wide variety of foods, including sweets, proteins, and insects. They’re known to infest electronics and damage equipment by nesting inside.
Acrobat Ants
What Do Acrobat Ants Look Like?
Acrobat Ants get their name from their unique posture. When threatened they raise their heart-shaped abdomens above their heads, almost like a scorpion. They are typically light brown to black and range from 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Their body shape, especially the distinctively flattened thorax and heart-shaped gaster, helps identify them.
Where Are They Found?
These ants commonly nest in decaying wood, including tree stumps, logs, and the wooden framing of homes. Indoors, they may nest in wall voids, insulation, and even around electrical wiring. While they don’t eat wood like termites, they will take advantage of existing damage and expand it for their nests. If you’ve had issues with carpenter ants or moisture-damaged wood, acrobat ants may not be far behind.
What Do They Eat?
Acrobat ants feed on a variety of foods, including honeydew from aphids, sweets, and protein-based foods. They’re active foragers and will enter homes in search of sugary spills or other food remnants. Outdoors, they often form long foraging trails along foundations or up trees and siding.
Final Thoughts:
While these ants are not as notorious as carpenter or fire ants, they’re still capable of causing frustration when left unchecked. Identifying what type of ant you’re dealing with can be a frustration. Thankfully our team of expert technicians are trained to identify your exact pest problem and help keep your home pest free! If you ever need help dealing with your pest issues, our team is happy to help!
