Identifying Important Ants , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved Chapter 2 Section IV of the Pest Bear & Affiliates Service Personnel Development Program 2005

Introduction Ants have become the most important household pest encountered by the Professional Pest Control Operator replacing cockroaches. They are not only difficult to control, but they are also difficult to identify. With the increased importance placed on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) the professional pest control operator must increase his ability to identify ants; understand their habits, food preferences, and behavioral characteristics; and then be capable of selecting the “best” set of control and monitoring procedures. There are in excess of 8,800 described species of ants in the world today and approximately 670 species are known to inhabit the United States. Fortunately, fewer than 30 species regularly infest structures and only 10 species are considered to be major pests , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Introduction Ants live in all environments, from the Artic to the Tropics, from sea level to above the timber line in mountains, and they can survive very well when it is wet or dry. Their ability to adapt exceeds all other species and this contributes greatly to the difficulty in controlling them as a pest animal. Ants are also very long-lived, with some colonies may out live a generation of man. Workers have been known to live 4-7 years and queens have been known to survive for 15 years. When dealing with pest species, which are extremely adaptable, correct identification of the species is critical to the success or failure of any control process , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

What can help you identify Ants To make a proper identification, you have to be able to see the animal or evidence of the animal. To insure this, we suggest you have a good hand-lens or microscope. Since most of the identifying you will do is in the field, the hand-lens is more functional. Also include a pair of tweezers, a clear vial filled with alcohol, and a pictorial guide, such as The Pest Ants of Florida, which is available from the Florida Pest Management Assn at a very nominal cost. This guide book is an excellent reference for each service vehicle , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

What do you do after you Identify the Ants Identification of the ants will not bring the situation under control, and the majority of the time, where you found the ants to identify is not where they live. You must find the location of the colony before you can control the infestation. To find the colony, you generally will have to know the behavioral characteristics, normal nesting characteristics, and food preferences. It will also be very helpful to recognize common complaints issued by property owners because these will act as guides to identification and location. Ants are very easy to “kill” but they can be extremely difficult to “control”, more than one good account has been lost because the ants were not “controlled” , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Know the difference between Ants and Termites Ants have elbowed antennae Termites have bead-like antennae , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Know the difference between Ants and Termites Ants four wings two large two small Termites four wings all the same length , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Know the difference between Ants and Termites Ants have a waist between the thorax and the abdomen Termites have no waist between the thorax and abdomen , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Know the difference between Ants and Termites Antennae Wings Waist This comparison makes for quick and easy identification , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Elbowed antennae Size/number of antennal segments Body size and shape Color and color patterns Number of on the pedicel Three distinct body segments Four wings of unequal size Ocelli or simple eyes It is important to recognize the specific characteristics of the ant anatomy , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

There are 17 commonly found species  Acrobat Ant Acrobat Ant  Argentine Ant Argentine Ant  Bicolored Trailing Ant Bicolored Trailing Ant  Big Headed Ant Big Headed Ant  Black Carpenter Ant Black Carpenter Ant  Crazy Ant Crazy Ant  Destructive Trailing Ant Destructive Trailing Ant  Elongated Twig Ant Elongated Twig Ant  Florida Carpenter Ant Florida Carpenter Ant  Florida Harvester Ant Florida Harvester Ant  Ghost Ant Ghost Ant  Little Fire Ant Little Fire Ant  Pharaoh’s Ant Pharaoh’s Ant  Pyramid Ant Pyramid Ant  Red Imported Fire Ant Red Imported Fire Ant  Rover Ant Rover Ant  White-Footed Ant White-Footed Ant Return to Contents , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Acrobat ant Crematogaster ashmeadi A medium sized, shiny ant with a heart-shaped abdomen The abdomen is is often bent over the thorax when the ant is disturbed May range in color from reddish brown to brown to black Moves at a slow to moderate speed May forage in tight foraging trails and may occur in large numbers , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Acrobat ant Crematogaster ashmeadi Are 1/10-1/8 inch long Have a heart-shaped abdomen Have a two-segmented petiole Does not always sting , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Acrobat ant Crematogaster ashmeadi Arboreal ants and nest in branches, stems or cavities of trees or shrubs Commonly found nesting in rotten logs and stumps In structures, they normally nest in damaged wood on porches or under eaves They have a single queen per nest but a single colony may occupy multiple nest sites Uncommon indoors and control often focuses on limiting access , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Acrobat ant Crematogaster ashmeadi Feeds on living and dead insects Collect honeydew from sap- sucking insects When found in structures, are foraging for sweets and proteins , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Argentine ant Linepithem humile A medium sized ant with a slender body Uniformly light brown to brown Give off a stale, musty odor when crushed Very often occur in large numbers when they are trailing Ants in the foraging trails have a tendency to move quickly Commonly found in outdoor eating areas and have been found in cars , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Argentine ant Linepithem humile Are 1/11-1/10 inch long Have a 12 segmented antennae without a club Have a one segmented petiole Have no body hairs on the thorax Do not sting , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Argentine ant Linepithem humile Have multiple queens in many colonies Colonies and subcolonies may have millions of ants and dominate the area Nest in mulch and soil, under objects on the soil, and near tree roots Are commonly found in trees, rotten wood and garbage piles , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Argentine ant Linepithem humile They can have many foragers both inside and outdoors Do not normally nest indoors Have no nuptial flights and reproduce and spread by budding only Alate of winged queens are frequently found in the colonies from April to mid-June Tend sap-sucking insects and collect honeydew Forage flower nectars outdoors Forage on sweets and proteins inside , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Bicolored Trailing ant Monomorium floricola Tiny, elongate, slender ant Bicolored, with black head and abdomen and light brown thorax Forage in tight, slow moving foraging trail Small size and distinct coloration makes identification easy , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Bicolored Trailing ant Monomorium floricola 1/18-1/14 inch long Have a 12 segmented antennae with 3 segmented club Have 2 segmented petiole Color pattern is distinct , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Bicolored Trailing ant Monomorium floricola Nests have multiple queens Often found nesting in hollow twigs and branches Are commonly found in the dry stems of grasses and herbs Have been known to nest in wall voids in structures Have no nuptial flights Reproduction is by budding only The queens never have wings , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Bicolored Trailing ant Monomorium floricola Commonly found in structures feeding on crumbs in the kitchen Feed on living and dead insects Tend sap-sucking insects and collect honeydew Forage flower nectars outdoors Forage on sweets and proteins inside , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Big Headed ant Pheidole megacephala Small light brown to reddish brown to near black in color Often forage in columns There are two worker sizes The larger worker is a worker- soldier and is rare Larger size worker is called a major and has a head larger than their body A slow moving ant , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Big Headed ant Pheidole megacephala Worker is 1/10 inch long and majors are 1/7 inch long Have a 12 segmented antennae with 3 segmented club Front of head is sculpted and back half is smooth and shiny Have a 2 segmented petiole Has spines on the thorax , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Big Headed ant Pheidole megacephala Nest in the soil or under objects such as stones, logs, or debris Foraging trails are sometimes covered with soil and resemble subterranean termite tunnels Multiple queens are found in mega colonies with multiple subnests , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Big Headed ant Pheidole megacephala They forage both inside and outdoors They leave piles of sand and debris when foraging indoors Feed on living and dead insects Tend sap-sucking insects and collect honeydew Forage flower nectars outdoors Forage on sweets and proteins inside Reproduce by budding , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Black Carpenter ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus A large to very large ant Similar to the Florida Carpenter ant but black Covered with long yellowish or white hairs Forages alone or in loose trails Have many different sizes of workers Produce a strong formic acid odor when crushed , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Black Carpenter ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus 1/4-1/2 inch long and black in color 12 segmented antennae with no club Abdomen with long pale yellow or white hairs No stinger End of abdomen with ring of hairs , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Black Carpenter ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus There is one queen per nest Nest in dead or living trees, rotting logs, and stumps May nest in damaged or hollow wood in structures Can damage sound structural timbers , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Black Carpenter ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus Feeds on living and dead insects Tend sap-sucking insects and collect honeydew Forage flower nectars outdoors Forage on sweets and proteins inside Have nuptial flights in the spring and summer , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Crazy ant Paratrechina longicornis Medium size reddish-brown to grayish or blackish color Workers are all similar in size Run erratically and quickly Are long and slender with land antennae and legs Usually seen in large numbers Erratic running makes it difficult to discriminate distinct trails , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Crazy ant Paratrechina longicornis 1/12-1/8 inch long 12 segmented antennae without a club One petiole segment No stinger Abdomen with circular ring of hairs at tip Long and slender antennae and legs Generally have white hairs on the thorax , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Crazy ant Paratrechina longicornis Nest in soil or under object resting on the ground Commonly found in potted plants, toys and bags of soil Nests are transitory and relocate regularly Ants are seen carrying brood May have wings but have never been known to fly , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Crazy ant Paratrechina longicornis Feed on living and dead insects Collect honeydew from sap- sucking insects and plants Will collect seeds Forage into homes for sweets, proteins, fats and other crumbs Prefer protein in summer and sweets in spring and fall Often forage for long distances and nests may be difficult to locate , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Destructive Trailing ant Monomorium destructor Small to medium size ant with variable worker size Bicolored with yellowish-orange to light brown and shiny Larger workers have head broader than long Slow moving and follow narrow trails , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Destructive Trailing ant Monomorium destructor 1/4-1/8 inch long with distinct coloration Polymorphic – many size workers Sides of the thorax are sculptured Sparse body hair , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Destructive Trailing ant Monomorium destructor Have large colonies with multiple queens Nest in the soil or in building Known to damage fabrics and rubber insulation surrounding wires Feeds on living and dead insects Tend sap-sucking insects and collect honeydew Forage on sweets, fats and protein in structures , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Elongate Twig ant Pseudomyrmex gracilis A large, slender, solitary ant often seen in or around vegetation Resembles a wasp in appearance and movement. Has a bicolored head and abdomen with a mauve to black color Remained of the body is dull orange with dark markings Darts quickly if collection is attempted Has large oval eyes , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Elongate Twig ant Pseudomyrmex gracilis 5/16 – 2/5 inch long Twelve-segmented antennae Bicolored Two-segmented petiole Scattered erect hairs on head and body , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Elongate Twig ant Pseudomyrmex gracilis Has a single queen per nest Nests are small and only have a few individuals Nest in hollow twigs and dried grass Nest has a single small entrance hole Often nest in large trees Sting can be very painful Has nuptial flights in March, and May to November Alates are rarely seen , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Elongate Twig ant Pseudomyrmex gracilis Hunt live insects Feed on honeydew from sap- sucking insects Primarily a pest because the fall from trees and sting individuals when they get trapped under clothing Very seldom found in structures and control is unnecessary or imparctical , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Florida Carpenter ant Camponotus floridanus A large to very large orange and black ant Have many sized workers that follow loose foraging trails Workers can emit formic acid Are mainly nocturnal Female reproductives are similar in appearance to the workers but have wings folded over their back Males have small head and larger wings , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Florida Carpenter ant Camponotus floridanus 1/5 – 4/9 inch long Have no sting Abdomen with circular ring of hair Twelve-segmented antennae One petiole segment Major worker has an enlarged head , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Florida Carpenter ant Camponotus floridanus Have single queen per nest Nest in dead tree branches, rotting logs, stumps, and under yard objects Do little excavation and will nest in existing voids and in attics Does no structural damage Presence may indicate previous structural damage Satellite colonies are common , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Florida Carpenter ant Camponotus floridanus Hunt live insects and scavenge dead insects Tend sap-sucking insects and collect their honeydew Forage for sweets and protein in homes Swarmers are often mistaken for termites May bite if handled Controlled with baits or locating nest and applying insecticide , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Florida Harvester ant Pogonomyrmex badius Large, dull reddish-brown ant Many sized workers Largest workers are rarely seen Have a very painful sting Are not aggressive Foragers leave nest in large trails and disperse to forage alone Collect seeds Recruit other foragers when a food supply has been discovered , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Florida Harvester ant Pogonomyrmex badius 1/4 - 2/5 inch long Twelve-segmented antennae Two-segmented petiole Polymorphic, have many sized workers Have long hairs under their head which are used to carry sand , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Florida Harvester ant Pogonomyrmex badius The nest is in the ground and have characteristic large, flat disks Nest are kept free of vegetation Single entrance may have a collection of objects around it, such as pebbles A single queen per nest Nest in full sun in sandy soils Nests are relocated in response to shading , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Florida Harvester ant Pogonomyrmex badius Scavenge for dead insects Scavenge for seeds May collect seeds directly from plants Swarm from May thru June Swarms normally occur in late afternoon following a rain , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Ghost ant Tapinoma melanocephalum Tiny ant with dark head and pale abdomen and legs Thorax is often dark Runs very quickly and erratically when disturbed May or may not trail When trailing, some workers may been seen carrying the brood Workers emit an acid, coconut-like odor when crushed , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Ghost ant Tapinoma melanocephalum 1/20 – 1/14 inch long Antennae extend well in front of the head One petiole segment Four segments of abdomen visible from above No Sting , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Ghost ant Tapinoma melanocephalum Have multiple queens spread out through multiple subcolonies Usually nest in disturbed areas such as flower pots, under loose bark or at the base of palm frons Indoors will nest in very small cracks such as between books or in wall voids They are very common household pests , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Ghost ant Tapinoma melanocephalum Scavenge for dead insects Tend sap-sucking insects and collect their honeydew Forage for sweets and proteins in homes Have flightless queens Commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms Best control is with baits , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Little Fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata Tiny golden to light brown ant Not shiny and slow moving No large-headed workers Have a painful sting Have a distinctive ridge over the eye and antennae which can be seen with magnification , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Little Fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata 1/16 inch long Eleven-segmented antennae with a three-segmented club Spines on the epinotal close to the base Two segmented petiole Head and body highly sculptured , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Little Fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata Multiple queens Nest in exposed soil, leaf litter, rotten wood, or under objects left on the ground Forage on vegetation and on fruit trees Have a painful long-lasting sting Found indoors and outdoors , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Little Fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata Scavenge for dead insects Tend sap-sucking insects Feed on nectaries Forage for proteins and fats indoors Reproduce by budding Very difficult to control outdoors , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Pharaoh’s ant Monomorium pharaonis Very small honey colored to reddish ant Abdomen may be black on the end Make conspicuous foraging trails A very common ant indoors A severe pest in hospitals and nursing homes , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Pharaoh’s ant Monomorium pharaonis 1/12 inch long Twelve-segmented antennae with three-segmented clubwith each segment increasing in size Two-segmented petiole Head, thorax and petiole dull Monomorphic , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Pharaoh’s ant Monomorium pharaonis Multiple queens and multiple subcolonies Reproduce only by budding Nest inside buildings in cracks and crevices Can nest between sheets of paper A severe pest in hospitals and can be a vector for pathogenic bacteria Found almost worldwide , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Pharaoh’s ant Monomorium pharaonis Eats living and dead insects Forages for sweets, fats and protein indoors Have no flights Reproduce only by budding A severe pest in homes Are best controlled with baits , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Pyramid ant Dorymyrmex spp. A medium sized, slender, elongated ant Pale orange to dark brown in color Forage singly and move very quickly Nest in distinctive cone-shaped mound in sandy soil Nests are not large Workers have a strong coconut- like odor when crushed , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Pyramid ant Dorymyrmex spp. 1/12 – 1/6 inch long Twelve-segmented antennae Has a tooth-like protuberance on the projecting vertically on thorax Has long hairs used for carrying pellets of damp sand under the head , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Pyramid ant Dorymyrmex spp. Nest in the soil and prefer sandy soil Typical nest has a single entrance surrounded by a crater-shaped mound of soil Have a single queen per nest , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Pyramid ant Dorymyrmex spp. Hunt live insects, including winged fire ants Collect honeydew from sap- sucking insects Create crater nests in open areas of the yard Swarm year-round or in fall or spring, depending on the species Active in warm humid weather , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Red Imported Fire ant Solenopsis invicta Small to large reddish ant with dark brown abdomen Multiple worker sizes Often forage in distinct trails Mounds are dome-like with many openings Are very aggressive if disturbed Have a long-lasting sting that leaves pustules Should be controlled in the yard , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Red Imported Fire ant Solenopsis invicta 1/8-1/4 inch long Ten-segmented antennae with two- segmented club Two-segmented petiole Polymorphic , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Red Imported Fire ant Solenopsis invicta Nest in exposed soil, especially bordering concrete or pavement Nests are rebuilt after a rain and have a sponge-like surface Nest have single queen in most areas, but multiple queen nests can be found Swarms occur in early summer Migrating swarmers remove their wings and congregate in the ground or around objects , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Red Imported Fire ant Solenopsis invicta Hunt living insects or scavenge dead insects Collect honeydew from sap- sucking insects Have been known to kill ground nesting birds Forage for sweets, proteins and fats in structures Sometimes are attracted to piles of dirty laundry , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Rover ant Brachymyrmex spp. Tiny to small ants Dark brown to pale blond in color Commonly seen running up and down vertical objects in the yard Commonly found in large numbers in swimming pools with swollen bodies that look striped Winged female is three times larger than workers Males are small enough to fit through screens , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Rover ant Brachymyrmex spp. 1/16-1/12 inch long Nine-segmented antennae One-segmented petiole No sting , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Rover ant Brachymyrmex spp. Nest under stones in the soil or in rotting wood Feed on honeydew Swarm in the spring and summer Primarily a problem when found floating in swimming pools or coming through screens into patios , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

White-Footed ant Technomyrmex albipes Many small to medium sized black ants foraging in tight trails Tend honeydew producing insects and will run in erratically if disturbed Do not carry their abdomen over their body Have white feet , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

White-Footed ant Technomyrmex albipes 1/10 –1/8 inch long Black to brown in color Twelve-segmented antennae Feet and antennae tips are white No sting Five abdominal segments visible from above , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

White-Footed ant Technomyrmex albipes Nests are usually outside Nests are numerous and arboreal Nests are readily abandoned and relocated if disturbed Colonies may have hundreds of queens spread over many subcolonies Wingless reproductives are hard to distinguish from workers Reproduction of colonies is by swarming or budding , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

White-Footed ant Technomyrmex albipes Feed on honeydew and scale insects Commonly found feeding on nectaries Also feed on dead animals, pet food and table scraps Larvae feed on trophic eggs Swarm from summer to mid-winter Swarms occur in later afternoon and appear to be clouds of very small ants Are attracted to lights at night A potentially major pest in homes , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved