The different species of ants in Arizona

In Arizona, ants are among the most abundant insects that play an important role in the ecosystem. Ants make a positive contribution to their environment by helping to break down dead matter while aerating the soil. However, certain species of ants can damage property and cause painful stings. With over 300 species of ants, it can be hard to identify them all. Yet, there are several that are of significance to Arizona property owners who need to know how to identify and treat problem populations of ants.

Ants are one of the most common pests in Arizona and other states. Western Exterminator are the experts in ant removal and ant prevention.

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Harvester ants

Harvester ants in Arizona may be one of several different types of species you can find on your property. These ants can be beneficial to the environment because they help disperse seeds and serve as food for other wildlife. A harvester ant can be as large as one-half inch long and may be red, black, or brown. The large nests are very deep underground. They are usually a depression in the ground that is completely devoid of vegetation all around the entrance.  

Harvester ants usually only become a problem for Arizona property owners when their mounds are located near places where people may encounter them. These ants can aggressively defend their colonies and inflict one of the most painful stings among all ant species. Those who are allergic to their venom can experience prolonged pain and swelling.  If you are stung by this type of ant and are experiencing symptoms, consult a medical professional.

Carpenter ants

Most ant species can be seen as they travel along trails to their colony, but carpenter ants can be challenging to detect. Carpenter ants in Arizona bore deep into wooden materials to create galleries that house their colonies. Often, carpenter ants are confused with termites; however, a close inspection can make it easy to tell them apart. Similar to other species of ants, carpenter ants have segmented bodies and bent antennae. They tend to swarm in the late spring and summer months when their mating season occurs.

In buildings, carpenter ants tend to live deep within the interior of the structure and build large colonies that can create structural damage as they chew through the wood. Carpenter ants that invade buildings may require fumigation and other ant control strategies.

Fire ants

Wondering if there are fire ants in Arizona? Out of the three main species of fire ants that reside in Arizona, the Southern fire ant is the most common. Worker ants are approximately one-sixteenth of an inch long, and queens can be as large as one-fourth of an inch. Fire ants range in color, but they are typically a shade of reddish-brown.

While Arizona fire ants normally build their colonies outside, they may occasionally enter buildings if they discover an easy source of fatty or sweet foods. Fire ants can also be aggressive, and an attack may involve multiple stings from many ants. Controlling fire ant populations will generally involve eliminating the queen and then handling subsequent mounds that are built.

Pavement ants

Pavement ants are a common pest across Arizona, especially in urban areas, where they often build their nests under sidewalks, driveways, patios, or building foundations. These ants are small, typically around one-eighth of an inch long, and are dark brown to black in color. Their name comes from their habit of nesting beneath cracks in pavement.

Pavement ants feed on a wide variety of foods, including greasy leftovers, sweet spills, and even pet food. Though they usually stay outdoors, they may enter homes and businesses in search of easy food sources. These ants aren’t aggressive but can become a nuisance when colonies grow large. Long-term control typically involves targeting the nest directly and sealing entry points to keep them from returning.

Odorous ants

Odorous house ants, known for the unpleasant smell they release when crushed, are another frequent visitor in Arizona homes and buildings. This scent is often compared to rotten coconut. These ants are small, usually about one-eighth of an inch long, and range in color from brown to black.

They often nest in moist areas like under sinks, near leaky pipes, or beneath stones and logs outside. Odorous ants are especially attracted to sweet foods and sugary drinks, which makes kitchens and pantries a hot spot for activity. Their colonies may have multiple queens and nesting sites, which can make them hard to eliminate. Successful ant control often requires finding and treating all active nests.

Argentine ants

Argentine ants are an invasive species that have spread throughout many parts of Arizona. These ants are light to dark brown and range from one-sixteenth to one-quarter of an inch in length. They form massive colonies that can include hundreds of thousands of workers and multiple queens, allowing them to expand quickly.

Unlike many other ant species, Argentine ants don’t build mounds. Instead, they nest in moist areas, such as under mulch, stones, or in wall voids, and travel long distances for food. They are highly attracted to sweets, which is why they often appear in kitchens and food prep areas. Due to their large colony sizes and multiple nesting sites, controlling Argentine ants typically requires professional ant control and ongoing treatment plans.

How to prevent ant infestations in Arizona

Arizona’s dry climate and warm temperatures make it a comfortable place for many types of ants to thrive. To help reduce your chances of an infestation, take a few steps to make your home or business less inviting.

• Start by keeping things clean. Wipe up crumbs and spills right away, and don’t leave pet food out overnight. 
• Store food in sealed containers and take out the trash regularly, especially if it contains anything sweet or greasy. 
• Fix any leaking pipes or faucets, as moisture can attract ants, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Outdoors, try to limit access by trimming shrubs and keeping mulch and firewood away from your foundation. 
• Seal cracks around doors, windows, and the base of your home, even tiny ones. Ants can squeeze through the smallest spaces to get inside.

These steps can help prevent ants from moving in, but if you’re already seeing signs of an infestation, contact your local Arizona pest control team.

Need help controlling ants in your Arizona home?

Knowing the different species of ants in Arizona is essential for recognizing the diversity of the state’s ecosystem. Although ants play a vital role in the environment, it is important to implement control measures when faced with aggressive or destructive species. By understanding when ants should be left alone to do their work and when to act, Arizona property owners can protect their health and the value of their investments while allowing non-threatening ant populations to thrive.

If you are dealing with ants in your home or an ant infestation around your property. Contact Western Exterminator for a free pest inspection today.

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