Ants

Ants in our home and landscape can be a big problem. Ants are social creatures and will invade our living spaces in order to find available food and shelter. There are many species of ants that are indigenous to Oklahoma.

Of recent cause for concern is the invasion of the red imported fire ant. Red imported fire ants are pests of urban, agricultural and wildlife areas and can pose a serious health threat to plants and animals.

Red imported fire ants are medium-sized ants that build mounds of soft soil. Their mounds are rarely larger than 18" in diameter. When disturbed, fire ants emerge aggressively and sting. Their sting usually leaves a white pustule on the skin.

Carpenter ants found primarily in wooded areas outdoors. Common indoor species have workers that are dull red bodied with black abdomens. Worker ants range in size from 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

Harvester ants are much larger and make large bare areas with a single entrance hole to the colony.

Little black ants are slow-moving small and shiny black ants. Workers prey on insects and feed on honeydew produced by sucking types of  insects such as aphids.

Pharaoh ants also called "sugar ants" or "piss ants," pharaoh  ants are some of the smallest ants, about 1/12-1/16 inch long, with a light tan to reddish body.

 

An AgriLawn professional can help you properly determine your ant problem regardless of your situation. We have effective controls to remove them from your home and landscape. Call us today to speak with a Bug Barricade professional.

For additional ant information and identification, click on this link to Texas Imported Fire Ant Research Project.