Common Ants
Latin Name: Tapinoma sessile
The United States is home to over a thousand varieties of ants. Here are some of the ants that are most common in our region:
Odorous House Ant (Tapinoma sessile) - This small black ant is often misidentified as an Argentine Ant but is easily distinguished by the faint chemical smell that is released when it is smashed. These ants are notoriously tough to deal with, especially in winter. The ant's main food source is honeydew created by aphids on plants and trees such as the Crepe Myrtle. If no honeydew is present these ants will forage to find a source of sweet food.
Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile) - As suggested by the name, the Argentine Ant is an invasive species. These ants are great at communication. Ants from different colonies can co-mingle without fighting. With adaptations like communication, Argentine Ants have been known to wipe out native productive ants thus altering the local ecosystem.
Acrobat Ant (Crematogaster) - The name for this species of ant derives from the ability of this ant to curl its abdomen over its thorax in an acrobatic way. The abdomen of the Acrobat Ant is heart-shaped. These two distinct characteristics make the Acrobat Ant easy to identify.
Pavement Ant (Tetramorium caespitum) - Pavement ants are native to Europe and are now found in many of the eastern and southern regions of the United States. True to their name, they prefer to make their homes under and along pavements and around the structure of homes. They are dark brown with light-colored legs, and the queen ant and all male workers have wings.
Similar Pests: Carpenter Ants, Pavement Ants, Fire Ants
FAQs About Ants
Why do I have ants in my house even though it’s clean?
Ants aren't just looking for crumbs—they're attracted to moisture, sweet smells, and even pet food. A few drops of water, a sticky trash bin, or a gap under a door can invite ants in, even in a spotless home.
What attracts ants the most?
Ants are most attracted to sugars, grease, protein-rich foods, moisture, and accessible entry points like cracks, vents, and plumbing gaps. Scent trails left by ants also attract more ants to the same spot.
Do ants carry diseases?
While ants aren't as dangerous as some pests, they can contaminate food surfaces by tracking in bacteria from trash, drains, or pet bowls. Pharaoh ants are notorious in medical settings because they are highly mobile, difficult to eliminate, and have been documented to carry and transmit harmful bacteria and pathogens. Studies have shown that these ants can contaminate sterile surfaces, instruments, wounds, IV lines, and even patients themselves.
Why do ants suddenly appear after it rains?
Heavy rain can flood underground nests, forcing ants to search for dry ground—often inside homes.
What are the tiny ants in my kitchen?
They're likely odorous house ants, pavement ants, or Pharaoh ants. These tiny ants are attracted to sweet foods and are common in kitchens and bathrooms.