Ants are a pest that wanders in groups. They rarely are spotted alone. Their tiny size makes it possible for them to enter a property even through minuscule cracks located around doors and windows. In search of food and water, this pest marches into areas that are warm. They often are spotted crawling on walls or making way through the kitchen counter.
Known as the most common pest in households, a lot of people are unaware that there are more than 12,000 species of ants present in the world. From carpenter to the rover, the list is never ending. But the good news is, only a few types are the ones that invade homes.
Identifying the species of ants depends on various factors, like appearance, color size and more. A few ants have a reputation of biting while a few are famous for their sting. As said before, you don’t need to worry about all of them. Based on the experience gathered through training and various ant pest control projects, below mentioned are a few valid ant types found in San Antonio.
#1 – Acrobat Ants
General Statistics
• Scientific Name: Crematogaster
• Length: 2.5 to 3 millimeters
• Color: Their color ranges from yellow-brown to red-black to brown and all black.
Number one in the list is acrobat ants. These are the worker category ants who often nest outdoors in moist or damaged wood and sometimes even in foam panels. When these ants sense danger, they run for an escape with their abdomen held in the air. Therefore, they are known as Acrobat ants. Aggressive in nature, they are the category that stings, but they are not regular home invaders.
#2 – Argentine ants
General Statistics
• Scientific name: Linepithema humile
• Length: 2.2 to 2.8 millimeters
• Color: Light brown to dark brown
They again are worker ants and prefer nesting in a variety of locations during winters and love hiding at shadier spots when temperatures rise. When stepped on accidentally these ants tend to release a musty smell.
#3 – Asian Needle Ant
General Statistics
• Scientific Name: Pachycondyla Chinensis
• Length: 5 millimeters
• Color: brown-black with dark orange jaw
This species of ants prefer to nest outdoors, around homes in areas that are shaded and high in moisture. This is a less aggressive species from the ant family, but at times the sting can get very painful resulting in a welt. Studies state that this species is most common in places like North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.
#4 – Carpenter Ants
General Statistics
• Scientific Name: Camponotus
• Length: Between 6 to 13 millimeters
We all know about them. Present in multiple varieties, these ants exist across the United States of America. Described as a high structural pest, they are mostly found outdoors in trees or lumber. One interesting fact about carpenter ants is that they don’t feast on wood but excavate it to create nests. Remember, they are the one from the aggressive category and are bound to sting if they are disturbed or sense danger around.
We are sure the information above will help you know the type of ants around you. But no matter what species you encounter. Specialists at Accurate Pest Control are here to help you get rid of them easily.