VWB Blog Do you see some ants in your home that you haven’t seen before? If you’re not sure which ant it is or if it might be an invasive species, then you need to know about the different types of ants in Florida.
This can help you keep your home safe from dangerous pests or even diseases that ants can spread.
Be sure to keep reading for more information about the various types of ants you might see throughout Florida so that you can identify them and handle them safely and quickly.
Sugar Ants
Florida is known for its many different types of ants, and one of the most common is the sugar ant. These ants feed mostly on sweet things such as sugars, nectars, honeydews, and honey.
On occasion, they will also eat other insects as well as small vertebrates like rodents and birds. They are also commonly found inside homes and are especially attracted to food sources such as sweet fruits and various food spills.
Sugar ants can be difficult to get rid of due to their persistence and clever maneuvering. They have a tendency to spread quickly and can cause a lot of destruction in a short amount of time.
Fortunately, most types of ants in Florida can be controlled with baits, safety home pest control, and simple insecticides.
Red Ants
Red ants are usually reddish-brown in color, have a segmented body, and are about a quarter of an inch long. The colonies of red ants in Florida are formidable – with a single mound containing up to 250,000 individual ants!
Each ant in the colony has a specific job to do, with most of the population being devoted to feeding, reproduction, and protection of the colony.
Red ants are usually found in the tropical and semi-tropical regions of the state, and they feed on a variety of insects, fruits, and plant matter. They are also known to bite and sting humans, so it’s best to keep an eye out when venturing into their territory.
Carpenter Ants
The carpenter ants measure up to ½ inch long and can be found in both urban and rural environments. They are omnivorous, meaning they feed on a variety of food sources, such as other insects, fruits, honeydew from plant surfaces, and even some human foods.
Carpenters ants form nesting sites in wood, hence their name. They have two different kinds of colonies – the mother colony where the queen, eggs, and larvae live, and the satellite colonies which are established by the workers.
These satellite colonies are located close to food sources and may extend up to 300 feet from the main colony. Carpenter ants are a major concern to humans because their nests can easily damage wood and other structures.
Ghosts Ants
Ghost ants are small, light-brown ants that have an almost translucent appearance. These ants typically nest in leaf litter or mulch, although they are often found indoors searching for food.
They are generally not considered serious Florida pests, but they can still be bothersome, especially when they come into the home and enter stored food products.
Learn Different Types of Ants in Florida Now
It is a great state to explore the many different types of ants in Florida that live here. Whether you’re a casual observer or a serious learner of the ant kingdom, there’s plenty to learn in this fascinating and diverse ecosystem.
Be sure to check out the different types of ants that call Florida home – it’s a great adventure!
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