Types of Ants in North Carolina

Unlike some of the other pests that we discuss and deal with, ants in North Carolina aren’t known to carry diseases. You have probably dealt with ants in some capacity since your childhood, but many people don’t realize that these tiny insects can cause a lot of damage to your home.

If you have recently seen a few ants in your house, this can be an indicator to a much larger problem. The first step in exterminating a colony of ants from your home is distinguishing what species is invading. In this article, we will use our experience in pest control to help our readers identify the types of ants in North Carolina that they might encounter.

Acrobat Ants

Acrobat ants’ name derives from their ability to press their stomach (or thorax) over their head. They will normally do this to shield themselves from predators. Out of all the types of ants in North Carolina, they are among the least concerns for your home. They are known to bite people if you disturb their colony. Most people imagine black bugs when they think of ants, but the acrobat ant ranges from light brown all the way to black. They will grow up to ⅛” inch and have a heart shaped abdomen.

Argentine Ants

The Argentine ants that you find in North Carolina are actually an invasive species. If you couldn’t tell from their name, they are native to South America; specifically Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil. This species is normally shiny with dark brown to black shades of exoskeleton. Their bodies are oval and segmented, extending from 1/16” to ¼” long.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are the most destructive species on our list of types of ants in North Carolina. They get their name from their nest building method, excavating tunnels in the wood of your home. Unlike termites, the carpenter ant tunnels are notably smooth. They are also the largest ant that you’ll encounter in North Carolina reaching up to ⅝” in length with red to black colored bodies. Their colonies can also grow up to 50,000 ants-strong so it is imperative to address the problem immediately.

Little Black Ants

Little black ants are most common during the warm weather of summertime, typically found along sidewalks. You can also find them in wooded areas, nested under rocks and rotting logs. This species is the smallest in our list of types of ants in North Carolina, reaching 1/16” long. They feed on grease, oil, meats, fruit, vegetables, and other insects.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants get their name from their method of building nests too. They are found in or under the cracks of pavement and ground level masonry within cities. They are on the smaller side, only growing up to ⅛” long and have segmented oval bodies as well. These ants do not pose an immediate risk to humans or pets, but are known to contaminate food they come in contact with.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants get their name from the smell they secrete when they get stepped on. Many people suggest that it smells like rotten coconut. These are also a tiny species ranging from 1/16” to ⅛” long. These insects are brown or black, normally feeding on sweet fruits like honeydews.

As mentioned earlier, it is important to address all ant infestations as soon as possible. Some are destructive to your home, while others can contaminate your food. Either way, there’s no reason to have a colony of ants living in your home when a pest control specialist like Bugg Busters is just a call away. If you notice any signs of ants in your home, contact a Bugg Busters professional immediately to discuss a proper course of removal.