How to Identify Field Ants

Appearance:

• 6 legs
• Segmented body with an unevenly rounded profile
• Pale yellow, reddish brown, or black
• 1/8 to 3/8 inch long

Habitats:

• Mounds of plant material
• Often near trees
• Shrubs
• Rocks
• Sometimes in sidewalk cracks or along foundation walls
• Field ants rarely nest in homes

Threat:

• Field ants may bite and spray painful formic acid into the wound

Preventing an Infestation:

• Store firewood at least 15 feet away from the house
• Avoid having mulch up against the foundation
• Keep shrubbery well-trimmed

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How to Identify Carpenter Ants

Appearance:

•  6 legs
• Segmented body
• Black, red, brown, or yellow
• ¼ to 3/8 inch long

Habitats:

•  Indoors or outdoors in damp or damaged wood
• Their burrowing leaves frass (sawdust) outside the nest

Threat:

• Gain entry through wet wood
• Build paths through dry wood, causing structural damage

Preventing an Infestation:

• Keep your home and yard free of damp wood
• Keep tree branches cut back from the house

Learn More About Carpenter Ant Infestations

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How to Identify Pavement Ants

Appearance:

• 6 legs
• Segmented oval body
• Dark brown, black
• 1/8 inch

Habitats:

• In walls, insulation, and floors
• Outdoors, under stones, and in pavement cracks

Threat:

• Pavement ants can contaminate food

Preventing an Infestation:

• Keep counters and kitchens free from spills and crumbs

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