Common Ant Species

Ants are members of order Hymenoptera, and thus are most closely related to wasps and bees. Like most other members of this order, ants are highly advanced insects with organized colonies and a clear division of labor.

There are many species of ants, but the ones below represent the species most commonly encountered in the Greater Dayton, Ohio area.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants grow to a larger size than almost any other specie in the ant family. They take their name from their habit of chewing passageways (called "galleries") inside wood. They don't actually eat the wood, but carve out galleries where they live and raise their young. (The carpenter ant in the picture on the right is a carrying a piece of granular bait back to her colony.)

Over time, untreated carpenter ant infestations can do serious damage to homes and other wooden structures. Unlike termite galleries, carpenter ant galleries are sanded smooth and kept clean. Carpenter ants thrive in warm, damp locations and prefer wood that already has been damaged by moisture.

(Photo courtesy of John Fasoldt, United Exterminating Company)

House Ants

These are the common house ants which nest in woodwork, masonry, soil and rotted wood. They feed on sweets, meats, vegetables, honeydew and other insects.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants are a serious nuisance in homes, hospitals, rest homes, apartment dwellings, hotels, grocery stores, and food establishments. These tiny ants feed on nearly anything, and have been found infesting surgical wounds, I.V. glucose solutions, and sealed packs of sterile dressing in hospitals.

(Photo courtesy of Texas A&M.)

Odorous House Ants

These ants occasionally forage indoors for sweets and other foods. They give off an unpleasant odor when crushed, smelling like "rotten coconuts."

(Photo courtesy of Texas A&M.)

Crazy Ants

These ants will feed on sweets and kitchen scraps, but prefer animal matter and insects such as fly larvae and adults. They often appear to be running around aimlessly, hence the name "crazy ants."

(Photo courtesy of University of Florida)

For help exterminating ants, or for any pest control problem, contact Z-Best Pest Control. Serving the Greater Dayton and Cincinnati areas.