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Ants come in many different colors - black being one of them. You may find both big black ants and small black ants, and unless you’re an ant species expert, you may not know the difference between the two. Below we will break down different types of black ants, their bites and stings, and discuss the best way to get rid of them.
Types of black ants you might find in your house
The two main types of black ants that you may find around your property are big black ants, also known as the western black carpenter ant, and little black ants. Both of these ants can be found in and around your home or business and can be quite a nuisance if not properly treated.
Big black ants (carpenter ants)
Most of the big black ants you will come across are carpenter ants. The western black carpenter ant (Camponotus modoc) is found on the West Coast and in states like Arizona and Idaho.
Characteristics
Size: Workers are a ¼ to ½ an inch in length, and queens are ¾” of an inch in length
Color: Black with dark red legs and golden hairs on the abdomen
Habitat: Live in deadwood and wooden structures
Western carpenter ants feed on both carbohydrates and proteins, with insects being a major part of their diet. While termites famously eat wood, black ants dig out wood to create nests. A black carpenter ants’ primary nest is commonly located outdoors in trees and timbers, but it is also possible for their nests to be located in insulation.
Big black ants are normally nocturnal, so you will probably find their frass (combination of wood chips and insect parts) before you find the carpenter ant itself. If you see carpenter ants inside during winter, their presence may be due to an indoor nest. Due to the property damage carpenter ants may cause, you should get in touch with us as soon as possible to help prevent infestations from getting worse.
Little black ants
Little black ants (Monomorium minimum) get their name from the fact that they are quite small and usually black. This species is known for having a rounder thorax than other black ant species’, and is located in the eastern United States around the San Francisco Bay Area and southern California.
Characteristics
Size: Workers are about 1/16” of an inch long, and queens are about ⅛”.
Color: Dark brown or black
Habitat: Generally live outside but will nest indoors
Seeing black ants? Call usLittle black ants eat both dead and live insects as well as the feces of aphids and scales. They will also feed on grease, oil, veggies, fruits, sweets, or meats. As little black ants travel in their colony in search of food, they will enter your home through any tiny opening or crevice, and if your home provides them with food and water, they may stay awhile. They use their mandibles to forage for food sources like crumbs and dead insects.
When it comes to choosing a place to live, little black ants will go where they can find food. Outside, little black ants reside in areas that are dark and protected beneath debris, stones, and decaying trees. These tiny ants may also call your lawn or garden home for a while. Indoors, they can build nests in wall voids, insulation, or beneath carpets. They love to hang out in kitchens in cabinets and on window sills where they can access food more easily.
Much like the black garden ant (Lasius niger), little black ants are small but can form large colonies, sometimes in the thousands.
Pavement ants
Pavement ants (Tetramorium caespitum) are commonly found in cracks and crevices in pavement, sidewalks, and driveways. These ants are often seen in cities, but they can also be found in other outdoor areas like gardens and lawns.
Characteristics
Size: Workers are about 1/8” of an inch long, while queens can be a bit larger.
Color: Dark brown to black.
Habitat: Mostly live outdoors, nesting in cracks in the pavement, but they can also invade homes, especially in search of food.
Pavement ants are known for forming large colonies, often with thousands of ants. They are very good at foraging for food, and can become a problem when they invade homes looking for food, especially sugary snacks that resemble honeydew.
These ants leave a trail of pheromones to help other ants in the colony find the food source. They also search for other types of food, such as proteins from insects and grease.
In nature, pavement ants build their nests in cracks in the pavement or under rocks. However, they can also create nest sites inside homes, especially if there is a steady supply of food. Their nests are often made up of wood shavings and sawdust-like material, which they use to create a comfortable home for their brood. The brood includes the larva and pupa stages of the colony, and the worker ants take care of them until they pupate and grow into adult ants.
If you see a trail of ants moving in large numbers or find sawdust-like material around your home, it could be a sign that they’ve built a nest nearby. The ants will keep thriving as long as their brood is well taken care of. To help control their population, an ant control professional should be consulted to determine the best way to get rid of these pests.
See our separate article about getting rid of pavement ants.
Odorous house ants
Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) can be brown or black and get their name from the strong, unpleasant odor they emit when crushed. These ants are commonly found inside homes, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, and are often attracted to food sources like sugary snacks.
Characteristics
- Size: Workers are about 1/16” of an inch long, and queens are slightly larger.
- Color: Dark brown to black.
- Habitat: Typically nest indoors in hidden areas such as wall voids, under floors, or inside insulation. They can also be found outdoors in soil, under rocks, or in decaying wood.
Odorous house ants are known for forming large colonies, sometimes with thousands of ants. These ants are attracted to food, especially sugary items like honeydew, and are often found in kitchens or near places where food is stored.
Their nest sites are usually hidden inside walls, under floors, or in insulation. The nests can look like they’re made of wood shavings and other small bits of debris, giving them a sawdust-like appearance. Like other ants, odorous house ants have mandibles they use for carrying food and digging.
The colony also includes “brood” (larvae and pupae) which are taken care of by the worker ants. These ants work hard to look after the brood, helping the young ants grow and pupate into adults that will become new workers. Even though they are small, odorous house ants can be very persistent and hard to get rid of. They keep coming back to homes, especially when the weather is warm, in search of food.
Black ant bites and stings
Thankfully, little blank ants do not present any threat. They do possess a stinger, but it is typically not big enough to do damage. These tiny pests are just that — an annoying pest in your home – but they are not dangerous. On the other hand, carpenter ants can induce a burning feeling with their bites, as they can inject formic acid. Your skin may get red where the carpenter ant bit you, but it shouldn’t be severe. If you do experience a severe or allergic reaction from an ant bite or sting, contact a medical professional right away.
Black ants with wings
Some ants do have wings, and while these flying ants won’t sting or bite you, you should be concerned if you start seeing them on your property. These ants are known as mature carpenter ants. Once a black ant’s nest has matured and become overpopulated, an ant colony will produce ants with wings. These winged black ants will then fly to build a new nest nearby, usually in moist wood in or around your bathroom or kitchen.
Western black carpenter ants swarm during the late afternoon, but swarmers in a colony may not appear for several years. If you see many ants swarming inside, it usually means a mature ant nest is located in or near your property. In this case, it’s best to contact a pest management expert to resolve any problems.
How to get rid of black ants
Ants do not belong in a home or business, plain and simple. Ant management is best done with the help of an ant control professional instead of trying to stop the pests yourself. Your technician will create a treatment plan tailored to your property to help remove infestations and prevent them from returning.
Although methods can vary, ant control may include a perimeter treatment or bait, as well as spot treatment inside, if needed. Our experts will also help you understand how to keep black ants from coming back. However, there are a few things you can do to help prevent ants from getting inside your home.
To avoid carpenter ants:
- Trim tree branches so they are not touching your home.
- Keep firewood away from your house and raise it off of the ground.
To prevent little black ants:
- Practice good housekeeping by tidying up.
- Clean food spills.
- Seal any gaps or cracks in your foundation and near doorways or entry points to prevent them from coming indoors.
Western Exterminator eliminates black ants
When it comes to handling ant problems in general, Western Exterminator knows how to pinpoint the type of ant species at hand and use the appropriate treatment to eliminate the issue. If you have a black ant infestation or think you might have one, contact Western Exterminator today. Our experts understand ant species and will provide an effective approach to get rid of the ants on your property.
Frequently asked questions
Are there different types of black ants?
Yes, there are different types of black ants, such as little black ants, big black ants (or carpenter ants), pavement ants, and odorous house ants. Each species has distinct characteristics like size, variation in color, and behavior.
How do I know if I have black ants or carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are a type of big black ant. They are larger, typically black or reddish, and chew wood, unlike smaller black ants that do not damage wood. Carpenter ants may also leave sawdust-like debris around their nests.
What do black ants mean in the house?
If you have black ants in your house, this usually means the ants are searching for food, especially sugary foods or protein sources like crumbs. If you're seeing them in areas like your kitchen or pantry, they might be attracted to spills or food storage areas. Sometimes, they could be searching for moisture or nesting sites, so it's important to locate where they're coming from to prevent future infestations.
How do I know what type of ants I have?
Look at their size, color, and behavior. For example, carpenter ants are larger and can be found around wood, while pavement ants tend to nest in cracks in sidewalks or driveways.
Also, observe their activity—some ants, like odorous house ants, release a distinctive smell when crushed, which can help in identification. You could also consult our ant species guide or contact a pest control expert for assistance.