Identifying Ants

In Australia there are over 1,100 species of ants recorded. Some are large and commonly seen foraging for food during summer months and others are small and easily overlooked. Many of the larger, more noticeable ants can be identified down to species using common characteristics such as body size, length of antennal segment III, colour, degree of pubescence and shape of the petiole. Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from wasp-like ancestors in the mid-Cretaceous period between 110 and 130 million years ago and diversified after the rise of flowering plants.

Identifying Ants

There are more than 700 ant species found in the U.S., although only about 25 species commonly infest homes. Ants are social insects that typically live in underground colonies, made up of workers and a queen. Ants will eat practically any kind of food, but are especially attracted to sweets. Ant identification is relatively simple due to their three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen, as well as antennae. Despite similar construction, ants vary in overall appearance. Small or large ants and brown or black ants are common nicknames for different species.

If you do find signs of an ant infestation in your home, contact a pest professional promptly. They will be able to inspect your home, perform proper ant species identification, and recommend a course of ant control and extermination.

Ant Identification – What Do Ants Look Like?

While there are about 25 different ant species known to infest homes, they all share similar characteristics including antennae and six legs, while their size may differ by species. Ants are social insects, meaning they live in colonies that can house up to hundreds of thousands of individuals, so you’ll likely see more than one at a time. Inside the home, ants can primarily be found in the kitchen and bathrooms, as these areas provide access to food as well as moisture.

How Do You Get Rid of Ants in the House

Although they may be small in size, ants can pose serious threats by contaminating food and damaging property. Living and working in large colonies, an ant infestation can quickly spread if left unchecked. To help keep your home ant-free, follow these tips:

• Seal cracks and crevices around the home, especially in places where utilities enter
• Dispose of garbage regularly and use trash cans with a sealed lid
• Promptly clean up food and drink spills
• Store sweets such as honey and sugar in closed containers
• Eliminate excess moisture by repairing leaking pipes and using a dehumidifier as needed
• Remove old landscape materials, debris and excess vegetation from the property to reduce potential nesting sites for ants

Find an Ant Exterminator Near You

Ants can easily go unnoticed due to their small size, allowing infestations to rapidly expand without warning. While species like red imported fire ants can inflict painful stings and even send people to the hospital, Argentine ants and carpenter ants can contaminate food and cause significant property damage. If you suspect or discover an ant infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional.

Identifying Ants

Ants are social insects that are found throughout the world and live in colonies. They have a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Ants can be identified by their size, shape and the way they live.

Ants range in size from 1/8 to 3/4 inch long, depending on the species. The largest ant is the bulldog ant, which can grow up to 1 inch long. Ants can be identified by their size, shape and the way they live.

Ants have three main body parts: head, thorax and abdomen. The head houses the brain and eyes; it also has two antennae that are used for smell and touch. The thorax contains six legs as well as two pairs of wings on some species. A queen’s wings are usually longer than those of a worker or male worker ant. The abdomen is where all of an ant’s reproductive organs are located; it also has two stingers at its tip that inject venom into prey or enemies when threatened or attacked by predators such as birds or humans!

List Of Identifying Ants