Little Fire Ants

picture of little fire antThe little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger) or LFA, is a very small invasive ant species originally from south America.  Over the past century or so, they have been spread by human commerce to Florida and Hawai`i, Israel, west Africa, …

Ghost Ants


Distribution

        The ghost image of ghost ant, Tapinoma melanocephalumant, Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius), is a tropical species. This ant species is so widely distributed by commerce that it is impossible to determine its exact origin.  It is believed to be of African or Oriental origin. Colonies …

The Dark Rover Ant and Other Rover Ants

Dark rover ant worker, Brachymyrmex patagonicus.The dark rover ant, Brachymyrmex patagonicus, is a relatively new ant pest in the U.S. It is one of approximately 38 known species worldwide. There are about 10 species of rover ants in this country. The dark rover ant …

European Fire Ants

M. rubra attacking a caterpillar

European fire ants (also known as European red ants, Myrmica rubra) are very small (3/16th of an inch long) red ants that are a pest for people and their pets, and a threat to the environment. These ants …

Argentine Ants

Argentine ants feeding on a food droplet
Argentine ants trailing on structure

The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr) — formerly named Iridomyrmex humilis – is one of the more troublesome ants in the United States. Argentine ants are mainly a nuisance to people because they are often found indoors, forming wide, noticeable …

Odorous House Ants

close up of an odorous house antThe odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile (Say), is considered a pest when it enters structures searching for food, water or nest sites. It cannot sting because it lacks a sting and will likely only bite if you stick a hand …