Ants You Need to Look Out For

Ants are very common insects, but some species are more dangerous than others. Knowing the differences between fire ants, carpenter ants, and basic house ants can help you determine which species is making your home their home.

Fire Ants

Fire ants are known for being aggressive. They get their name from the color of the ant and its ability to inflict intense pain when it bites. Fire ants often build mounds in sunny areas, but they can also take up residence under rocks, logs, or other dark hiding spots. It is also common for fire ants to live in other insects' nests, such as bees and wasps.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants get their name from their habit of hollowing out wooden structures to build nests, using other materials, including paper and insulation. Carpenter ants eat a diet made up of proteins, sugars, and fats. When they are in the larval or pupal stage, they may eat fungus grown on dead insects. These insects are often considered pests when they live in homes because they can cause structural damage by hollowing out trees to make their nests.

Basic House Ants

House ants are very similar to the basic carpenter ant, but it is a species called the pharaoh ant. House ants do not cause structural damage like carpenter ants because they usually nest in small spaces along baseboards or beneath sinks. However, these insects also have an appetite for sugars and proteins and can quickly become pests in the kitchen.

The main difference between fire ants, carpenter ants, and basic house ants is the level of aggressiveness. Fire ants are known for being the most aggressive. On the other hand, Carpenter ants can eat through wood and cause a lot of damage to your home if they're not treated. Knowing how to tell them apart is important when trying to get rid of an infestation. To learn more about getting rid of ants, and for cost-effective ant extermination, contact Price Termite & Pest Control today.