Many native ant species are threatened by imported ant species.
Texas has more than 250 native species of ants that contribute to the state habitat. These ants are original to this area. Identification helps in the event of a household invasion, and for monitoring pest control. Many imported ants have painful, harmful bites.
Carpenter Ants
This particular ant is very common in Texas, with approximately 14 species in the area. They can be red in color with a black tint on their abdomens. They range in size, depending on the species. The ants most commonly found in your home are about 1/4 to 1/2 inches long. They create their nests in dead wood, inside or outside. They are usually congregated around old stumps or dead trees, but they also make their homes inside of yours -- in wood shingles, wood siding or wood beams. These ants' diet consists of sweets such as fruits, other insects and the honeydew from aphids. They're capable of biting, but it isn't harmful to the system. They do not sting.
Black Crazy Ants
Black crazy ants are small ants, about 1/8 inch long. They range in color from dark grey to pure black. They can be quickly identified by their extra long legs and antennae. These ants got their name due to their interesting behavior: They appear to be running around in frantic chaos with a total lack of control and direction. They live beneath objects such as dead logs, wood, cluttered debris and around concrete surfaces. These ants eat other insects, grease, fat and sweets. They have been known to enter homes, where they create nests within walls. They forage for any crumbs or leftover foods.
Pyramid Ants
This ant got its name because of a distinct pyramid-shaped rise on the back of its thorax. The pyramid ant is small, reaching up to 1/8 inches long. There are two types of this species in the U.S.; the native species in Texas is reddish to dark brown in color. This ant creates a circular-shaped mound, ranging in diameter from 2 inches to 4 inches right around the entrance hole of their nests. They build their nests in warm, sunny areas. This species loves to feed on the honeydew created by aphids, but they also feed on other insects and anything sweet-tasting.
Red Harvester Ants
Red harvester ants are very common in the southwest areas of the United States. This species has a red body and is larger than other ants, ranging in length from about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. It prefers to live in open areas where there's often a lack of vegetation. Red harvester ants' diet consists of other insects, seeds or grains. Because these ants prefer to live in these open areas, they aren't usually pests within a home. This is good news for Texans; these ants have a painful sting that may harm sensitive people.
Tags: other insects, native species, their nests, about inch, about inch long, ants diet, ants diet consists