What Are the Most Common Ants in Florida?

Serving Orange, Seminole, Lake, Volusia, & Osceola Counties

Argentine ants, small ants in Florida, sip water off a bathroom floor in volusia county home

Ants. They’re the uninvited guests that seem to find their way into every nook and cranny of your home. Here in Florida in our warm tropical climate, they’re a year-round nuisance.

The experts at Forest Pest Control have extensive experience solving ant problems – they’re one of the most common pest infestations we deal with.

The most common ants we find in Florida homes are Argentine ants, ghost ants, pyramid ants, acrobat ants, fire ants, odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pharaoh ants, and big-headed ants.

Keep reading for more information about species.

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9 Most Common Ants in Florida Homes

By finding this guide, you’re already on the path to understanding and ultimately controlling these persistent pests. Here are the species we encounter most often:

  1. Argentine Ants: When you see small ants in Florida, there’s a good chance they’re Argentine ants. Dark in color and prone to forming massive colonies, they’re known for invading kitchens and bathrooms. They’re attracted to sweets and can quickly become a nuisance if not dealt with promptly.
  2. Ghost Ants: The other possibility when you find small ants in Florida is that they’re ghost ants. These nearly transparent ants are reddish-brown, tiny, and relentless. They are notorious for establishing nests inside walls and beneath flooring. Ghost ants are easy to miss, making them difficult to eradicate completely without help from a professional ant exterminator.
  3. Pyramid Ants: Recognizable by their reddish-brown color and pyramid-shaped projection on their thorax, pyramid ants often nest outdoors but will often invade homes in search of food.
  4. Acrobat Ants: Named for their ability to raise their heart-shaped abdomens over their heads when disturbed, acrobat ants can nest in both moist and dry wood. In some circumstances, acrobat ants can damage wood and undermine the structural integrity of a home.
  5. Fire Ants: One of the most unpleasant ants you’ll find in Florida is the fire ant. Capable of delivering painful stings and building large, visible mounds in yards, their presence can be hazardous, especially for pets and children.
  6. Odorous House Ants: These ants emit a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed, hence their name. They are attracted to sugary foods and can quickly infest kitchens and pantries if food is not sealed.
  7. Carpenter Ants: Often mistaken for termites due to their wood-boring habits, carpenter ants can cause significant damage to wooden structures. They excavate galleries for nesting, weakening the integrity of wood over time.
  8. Pharaoh Ants: These tiny yellow ants prefer warm, humid environments and are notorious for spreading throughout buildings, including hospitals and apartment complexes. Their colonies can be challenging to eliminate completely.
  9. Big-Headed Ants: Named for their disproportionately large heads, these ants are known to invade homes in search of food. While they don’t pose a direct threat to structures, their presence can be a nuisance.

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Call the Florida Ant Experts Today

Each of these ant species presents unique challenges. From the destructive tendencies of carpenter ants to the painful stings of fire ants, identifying and addressing these pests promptly is crucial to protecting your home and family.

If you’re tired of sharing your space with these persistent pests and want the confidence of knowing they’re gone for good, give Forest Pest Control a call. Our expert team is here to provide effective solutions tailored to your specific ant problems.

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What Are the Most Common Ants in Florida? in Central Florida

Serving Orange, Lake, Seminole, Volusia, & Osceola Counties

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