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Ants are among the most adaptable and widespread pests, capable of thriving in nearly any environment. While many ant species favor warm, sunny climates, others are well-suited to cooler regions and can adapt to indoor spaces. With approximately 15,000 ant species and subspecies worldwide, nearly 1,000 of these species are known to inhabit North America, including many that can be found across the Eastern U.S.
Identifying the species you're dealing with can be challenging, as many types of ants potentially invade homes and properties.
8 most common ant types & how to identify them:
In the Eastern U.S., eight specific ant species are the most common home invaders. This section offers a brief description and visual guide for each type, highlighting key identifying traits to help you determine which species may be in your home or yard.
From here, you can access dedicated species pages for comprehensive information on the appearance, behavior, nesting habits, and control options of each ant type.
Argentine ants
Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are small, typically 2-3 mm long, and light to dark brown in color. They are known for forming large colonies and can establish outdoor and indoor nests, particularly near moist areas. These ants are persistent foragers, often traveling in lines as they search for food.
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Black house ants
Black house ants, also known as ‘little black ants’ (Ochetellus), are tiny ants (1-2 mm) with shiny black coloring. They prefer nesting in decayed wood or masonry and are often found indoors near kitchens or bathrooms, attracted by food residues and moisture.
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Carpenter ants
Carpenter ants (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) are large ants, ranging from 6-12 mm in length, and are usually black or dark brown. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood but carve tunnels to create their nests, often in damp or decayed wood. Spotting sawdust near wood structures can be a sign of carpenter ant activity.
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Fire ants
Fire ants (Solenopsis spp) are aggressive and can be identified by their reddish-brown color and small size (2-6 mm). They build distinctive mounds in sunny areas and deliver a painful sting when disturbed. Known for their large colonies, fire ants forage actively and can pose a significant threat to people and pets.
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Ghost ants
Ghost ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum) are tiny (1.5 mm) with pale legs and a dark head. They are often found in kitchens and bathrooms. Ghost ants are attracted to sugary food and will establish nests indoors, especially near moisture sources. Their translucent appearance makes them hard to spot.
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Odorous house ants
Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) are brown to black, around 2.5-3 mm long, and produce a distinctive odor when crushed. These ants typically nest near water sources and are known for moving their colonies when disturbed. They’re commonly seen foraging in long trails indoors.
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Pavement ants
Pavement ants (Tetramorium caespitum) are small, about 2.5-3 mm, and dark brown to black in color. They often nest under sidewalks, patios, and driveways, forming small soil mounds. Pavement ants forage aggressively and are commonly seen in homes near floors and baseboards.
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Pharaoh ants
Pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are yellowish-brown and around 2 mm long. They form extensive colonies and are challenging to control, often spreading through walls and voids. Pharaoh ants forage widely, making them a common pest in kitchens, hospitals, and other buildings where food is accessible.
Find out moreNeed help with an ant infestation?
Ant control solutions are everywhere, but that doesn’t mean they’re effective. Each ant colony can hold up to half a million ants, and without the help of a professional, they can be tough to tackle. The best thing you can do on your own is to keep things clean. Garbage and food remains are very attractive to ants.
Ehrlich technicians have the expertise to understand the habits of each ant species and will provide your best defense against ant infestations. You can rest assured knowing that our highly qualified technicians will offer a tailored ant treatment plan that is safe for your family and pets.
Frequently asked questions
What are the big ants in the northeast US?
The large ants you’re seeing in the Northeast are likely carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are among the largest ants in the U.S., measuring up to 12 mm in length. They are typically black or dark brown and prefer nesting in damp, decayed wood, often causing structural damage as they excavate tunnels. Carpenter ants are especially active in spring and can often be found indoors near wooden structures.
What's the difference between black ants and carpenter ants?
The main difference between black ants (such as the little black ant) and carpenter ants is their size and nesting habits. Carpenter ants are much larger, often reaching 6-12 mm, and nest in wood, carving out tunnels in damp or decayed wood. Black ants, on the other hand, are smaller (1-3 mm) and don’t damage wood. Black ants typically nest in soil or within cracks and crevices, whereas carpenter ants can create extensive wood galleries that may weaken structures over time.
Which U.S. state has the most ants?
The U.S. state with the most ant diversity is California, with over 270 known ant species. However, warm states like Texas and Florida also host many ant species due to their favorable climates for ant colonies. The variety of environments in California, ranging from coastal to desert regions, contributes to its high ant diversity.
Do I have carpenter ants or sugar ants?
If you’re seeing larger black or dark brown ants, especially near wooden areas or structures, you may have carpenter ants. These ants can cause wood damage as they tunnel into damp or decaying wood to build their nests. Sugar ants, often referring to smaller ants like odorous house ants or pavement ants, are generally much smaller (2-4 mm) and are attracted to sugary foods but do not damage wood. Observing the size, nesting area, and attraction to food can help you determine which type you’re dealing with.