The University of Florida, working with Florida structural pest control employees, found that each of the three most common Florida ants species of pest ant caused 14% of submitted pest complaints. From spreading disease to destroying crops, the sighting of any of these three species is a harbinger of potential disaster.
Ghost Ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum) – Ghost ants are small and somewhat odd-looking, with a dark brown head and thorax and milky-white abdomen. Once known as “tramp ants,” these creatures often have multipl
e colonies, which they form at the bases of palm fronds, under flowerpots, between books, or in small indoor spaces. They eat other insects and also tend to like sweets. Ghost ants are common household pests and have invaded Florida quarantine greenhouses. Regulation on pest control methods in these greenhouses mean that the ants can quickly become out of control.
Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) – Red imported fire ants, or RIFA, came to America via Mobile, Alabama – a port city – in the 1930s. They harm plants and wildlife and are known for a particularly vicious sting, which causes blisters that can become infected. They have ten segments, as do other species of fire ant, and they have a reddish-orange head with a black abdomen. They live in conspicuously large mounds, which house their colonies.
Crazy Ant (Paratrechina longicornis) – The crazy ant gets its name from its characteristically erratic and quick movements. It is common as an agricultural and household pest and will eat many household foods. In summer, it prefers a higher protein diets and may even refuse to eat sweet bait. Crazy ants are a deep brown with several lighter-colored setae. Because they forage far from nesting sites, they can be difficult to control.
Ant identification is difficult (some are even misidentified by entomologists), but the ant pest control professionals at Slug-A-Bug can help with species identification and eradication. There are many more pest ants than are included in this list, but these three are some of the ones you’re most likely to find in the state. Not all ants are alike, and with some help from a professional, you’ll be armed and ready to keep them at bay.