Little Black Ants

Identification

Little black ants are very small and dark brown to jet black in color. Signs of an infestation include visible evidence of the ants inside the house, crawling on the bathroom or kitchen floor and cabinets in search of food or water, or entering a crack or gap that leads to their nest in a wall void. They are found throughout the U.S., but are most common in the eastern region, and the southern half of California.

BIOLOGY

Little black ants measure up at about one-sixteenth of an inch in length. Colonies commonly contain two or more queens who are two to three times larger than the workers. Colonies have moderate to large populations.. Little black ant winged swarms are common from June to August, during which time mating occurs. After mating, both males and females shed their wings and the males die soon after mating.

 

This reproductive cycle plays a key role in the lifespan of an ant, particularly for queens, which can live far longer than the short-lived males or workers, allowing colonies to persist for years.

 

 

Little Black Ants

HABITS

Inside nests are located in wood work, decaying wood and masonry. They feed on grease, oil, meat, fruits, vegetable materials such as corn meal and sweets. Outside they nest under stones/rocks, in rotting logs, in lawns, or in open areas. The workers feed on other insects, honeydew and plant secretions. They forage in trails which can commonly be seen on foundation walls and along sidewalks outside.

 

Many homeowners dealing with reoccurring infestations eventually ask how long do ants live, since little black ants can return season after season if colonies are not completely eliminated.

CONTROL

Homeowners should locate and seal cracks and crevices in exterior walls and foundations with a silicone-based caulk to prevent entry of little black ants. Make sure to store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home, and keep trees and bushes close to the home well trimmed. Locating the nest is also important. While the small size of these ants can make them difficult to see, if you are able to follow their foraging trail you can find their nest by following the workers back to their colony. When dealing with little black ants, homeowners should consider working with a licensed pest professional to create and implement a preventative pest management plan.

Common ant species

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