Pest Library
Ant Facts &
Information
identification and control.
Family Formicidae
IDENTIFY
Types of Ants
What do ants look like?
Adult ant species come in various shapes and sizes but each will be one of three different colony castes; queens, workers, or males. Queens are fertile females that lay all the eggs in a colony. Workers are wingless females that gather food, feed larvae, maintain the nest, defend the colony, and do not reproduce. Male ants are winged and their only job is to mate with the queens during the swarming process.
Ants That Bite or
Sting
your space and cause painful bites or stings?
These pests are not just a nuisance but a health risk too!
Don’t wait for them to multiply.
Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta)
- Appearance: Reddish-brown, darker abdomen, 2–6 mm.
- Habitat: Soil, under rocks, near water sources.
- Lifespan: Workers: 4–7 months; Queens: up to 7 years.
- Activity: Aggressive, bites and stings when disturbed.
- Diet: Sugary substances, small insects, seeds.
Big Head Ants (Pheidole spp.)
- Appearance: Light to dark brown; 2–5 mm.
- Habitat: Soil, under rocks, near tree roots.
- Lifespan: Workers: 2–3 months; Queens: years.
- Activity: Non-aggressive; bites if disturbed.
- Diet: Seeds, sugary foods, insects.
Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.)
- Appearance: Black/reddish-brown; 6–12 mm
- Habitat: Decayed wood, wooden structures.
- Lifespan: Workers: ~1 year; Queens: 7–10 years.
- Activity: Active at night; bites, no sting.
- Diet: Honeydew, plants, insects.
Harvester Ants (Pogonomyrmex spp.)
- Appearance: Reddish-brown; 5–8 mm.
- Habitat: Sandy soil, grasslands, mounds.
- Lifespan: Workers: 2–6 months; Queens: up to 20 years.
- Activity: Active during the day; stings if threatened.
- Diet: Seeds, grains, insects.
Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum)
- Appearance: Brown/black; 2.5–4 mm.
- Habitat: Pavement cracks, soil.
- Lifespan: Workers: 4–6 months; Queens: ~5 years.
- Activity: Non-aggressive; bites if disturbed.
- Diet: Sugary, greasy foods, insects.
Eliminate pests and prevent future problems.
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Ants That Don't Bite or Sting
Keep your space ant-free with simple prevention tips—seal cracks, store food properly, and maintain cleanliness. Act now for a pest-free home!
Black Ants (Lasius niger)
- Appearance: Shiny black; 3–5 mm.
- Habitat: Soil, under rocks, and near decayed wood.
- Lifespan: Workers: 1–2 years; Queens: up to 15 years.
- Activity: Active day and night; non-aggressive.
- Diet: Sugary foods, honeydew, small insects.
Crazy Ants (Paratrechina longicornis)
- Appearance: Dark brown/black; 2.5–3 mm; long legs.
- Habitat: Soil, tree bark, and inside homes.
- Lifespan: Workers: ~2 months; Queens: ~1 year.
- Activity: Highly active and fast-moving.
- Diet: Sugary foods, fruits, and insects.
Ghost Ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum)
- Appearance: Pale/translucent body; 1.3–1.5 mm.
- Habitat: Soil, under logs, and inside cracks.
- Lifespan: Workers: ~3 months; Queens: up to 5 years
- Activity: Active during the day; non-aggressive
- Diet: Sugary foods, honeydew, fruits.
Leafcutter Ants (Atta spp.)
- Appearance: Reddish-brown; 5–15 mm; strong mandibles.
- Habitat: Forests, gardens, and agricultural areas.
- Lifespan: Workers: 4–6 months; Queens: ~10 years.
- Activity: Active at night; non-aggressive.
- Diet: Fungi cultivated on leaf fragments.
Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis)
- Appearance: Yellowish-brown; 2–2.5 mm.
- Habitat: Warm, humid areas in homes or hospitals.
- Lifespan: Workers: ~3 months; Queens: ~1 year.
- Activity: Active day and night; non-aggressive.
- Diet: Sugary foods, grease, and proteins.
Pest Treatment
How do I get rid of ants?
How AIPM helps to get rid of ants
Agriclinic Integrated Pest Control focuses on providing sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to manage pests in agricultural settings. It combines modern techniques with traditional practices to protect crops while minimizing environmental impact.
- Pest Identification: Accurate detection of pest types and levels.
- Biological Control: Use of natural predators, parasitoids, or bio-pesticides to target pests.
- Cultural Practices: Crop rotation, proper irrigation, and intercropping to reduce pest populations.
- Chemical Control: Safe and targeted use of pesticides only when necessary.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular field checks to adapt strategies as needed.
- Call us +91 9607171409
Learn All About Ants
Leaving Trails
Ants leave an invisible chemical trail which contains pheromones for others to follow once they locate the food source.
Nesting
Ants can nest anywhere in and around your house—in lawns, walls, stumps, and even under foundation.
Lifespan
A colony can live a relatively long lifetime. Worker ants may live seven years and the queen may live up to 15 years.
Colonies
Colonies can number up to 500,000 and whole colonies can uproot and relocate quickly when threatened.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
No, most ants are not harmful, but some like fire ants can bite or sting, causing allergic reactions.
They are attracted to food, especially sugary and greasy items, and shelter in cracks or moist areas.
Keep your home clean, seal entry points, and store food in airtight containers.
Yes, species like carpenter ants can damage wooden structures by burrowing into them.
Use bait traps, seal cracks, and hire professional pest control if needed.