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About Small Ants

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General Information:

Carpenter ants are a threat to people because they make nests in and around our homes. Carpenter ants do not eat wood like termites do. They make extensive galleries in the wood to live in and raise their young. Carpenter ant colonies may reach the size of 40,000-60,000 ants. Ant activity is typically greatest between dusk and dawn. As a carpenter ant parent colony (where the queen resides) grows, it expands to the limits of the old nest and another suitable area for nesting becomes necessary. This new colony is known as a satellite colony, and is usually made nearby. The parent colony contains the queen, young larvae and workers, while the satellite colony contains the mature larvae, pupae, workers, and winged reproductives. The ants move back and forth from the parent nest to the satellite nest(s) and to feeding areas. Because many homes in this region are being built in forested areas, established colonies of carpenter ants are frequently found in close proximity to these residences. Ants will forage in and around the home for food and/or water, and often choose to establish satellite colonies inside the structure since these items are readily available there.

Habitat:

Most damage by carpenter ants in Washington State is caused by 2 species: Camponotus modoc or Camponotus vicinus. These species commonly nest in standing trees, logs, stumps, etc.

Diet:

A carpenter ant diet naturally consists of aphid honeydew, tree sap, small insects, spiders, and millipedes; but our household spills, crumbs and pet food are also very attractive food items.

General Information:

Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) are small, dark brown ants approximately 1/8 inch long. They are often referred to as "sugar ants" due to their fondness for sweet foods. Odorous house ants foraging in and around the home for food and/or water will often choose to establish colonies inside the structure since these items are readily available there. These ants are often seen in the kitchen and bathroom beginning in early April. Inside the home they are generally found in wall voids, especially around hot water heaters and hot water pipes. While these ants do not cause structural damage, they can be very annoying due to their presence in our homes.

Habitat:

Odorous house ants are found outdoors nesting beneath rocks, under logs and landscape timbers, under mulch, or just about anything lying on the ground can act as a nesting site for these ants.

Diet:

Odorous house ants are attracted to sugary substances such as empty soda cans, syrups, and any other type of sweet food debris.

Want to watch ant behavior up close? Nature Gift Store offers 5 different Ant Farm styles to choose from. You can get LIVE Harvester Ants sent with your farm. Did you know you can also do Science Fair Projects on Ants or try an Ant Farm Experiment For Kids. Fun and educational!