Hobbies And Interests
Carpenter Ants
Although they are generally black, carpenter ants can have hues of yellow, red or orange on their bodies. They range in size from 1/4 to 3/4 inches, the largest members being the queens. Colonies generally nest outside in trees or just about anything made of wood. It is a misconception that they eat wood; they simply remove it to form their homes. Rather, carpenter ants usually eat honeydew generated from aphids and other insects. If they find their way into your home, they could cause some damage to wooden doors, beams and frames. There are approximately 25 species of carpenter ants in the U.S.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants were introduced to the United States sometime during the 18th or 19th century from Europe. It is no surprise, then, that they are some of the most commonly found ants in Ohio and Pennsylvania homes. Pavement ants range in size from 1/2 to 1/4 inch and range in color from light brown to black. They are slow-moving and almost lethargic at times. When they nest outdoors, it is normally under rocks or in pavement cracks, but when it comes to wintertime, you may see a colony settled inside your home.
Little Black Ants
Little black ants are 1/8 inch long, and their bodies are glossy black. Their colony size can be quite high, up to 2,000 workers, and outdoors they may form nests in unprotected areas and under rocks, logs and bricks. It is not uncommon for them to come inside your home where they may settle in wooden structures, wall crevices or under carpets.
Small Honey Ants
Small honey ants almost appear black in color but they have more of dark brown hue. They are about the same size as little black ants. They normally live outside in soil environments. Sometimes honey ants end up in your kitchen if there are food items left out to tempt them. If this occurs, you will probably see a long line of ants walking single-file on your countertop.
Crazy Ants
Crazy ants are also about the same size as little black ants and are gray to black in color. They get their name because the colony sometimes has the appearance of running around frantically. They occupy a variety of wet and dry habitats from gardens and potted plants to under tree stumps, rocks and bricks. They eat food crumbs, which may attract them to your kitchen, but they are also carnivores and eat flies and other insects.