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Ants
Ants are one of the most common household pests that people encounter. They can invade your home and quickly establish colonies, causing damage to property and contaminating food.
Common pest species found in New York:
Odorous House Ant
Tapinoma sessile
Odorous house ants are named for the unpleasant odor (akin to rotten coconuts) released when they are disturbed or crushed.
Once they’ve entered a building, these ants tend to build their nests near sources of heat and moisture, such as heaters, water pipes, and wall voids.
Odorous house ants neither bite nor sting, but if left unchecked, an infestation can lead to food contamination and spoilage.
(Photo: Tom Murray)
Size: Workers are 1/8 inch long (3 mm); swarmers are 1/4 inch long (6 mm)
Color: Brown or black
Shape: Slender, segmented body with a narrow waist (no visible nodes), bent antennae, and 6 legs
Legs: 6 legs
Antennae: Elbowed antennae; not clubbed
Body: Uneven thorax and narrow waist (petiole) with 1 node that’s hidden under the abdomen and is not visible from above
Wings: Swarmers have 2 sets of transparent wings; the forewings are longer than their hindwings
Pavement Ant
Tetramorium caespitum
Pavement ants establish colonies under cracks in sidewalks, patios, and building foundations. They often leave small, cone-shaped mounds of dirt near the entrances.
These pests enter homes through cracks in basement walls, floors, windows, and doors in search of food and warmth.
Pavement ants are not aggressive and do not bite, but they may sting in self defense. They become a nuisance when they get inside and contaminate food storage areas.
(Photo: Tom Murray)
Size: Workers are 3/16 inch long (4 mm); swarmers are 1/4 inch long (6 mm)
Color: Dark brown or black
Shape: Slender, segmented body with a narrow waist (2 nodes), bent antennae and 6 legs
Legs: 6 legs
Antennae: Elbowed antennae with a 3-segmented club (appears slightly thicker at the tips)
Body: Narrow waist (petiole) with 2 nodes; under a microscope you can see tiny grooves on the head and thorax
Stinger: Workers have a small stinger but cannot easily penetrate human skin
Wings: Swarmers have 2 sets of transparent wings; the forewings are longer than their hindwings
Black Carpenter Ant
Camponotus pennsylvanicus
Black carpenter ants are the most common species of carpenter ants in New York.
These large ants build tunnels and nests in wood, causing significant structural damage to homes and buildings.
They prefer damp wood, so parts of the house vulnerable to moisture (such as windows, decks, etc.) are more likely to be infested. Their presence may also indicate a leak or other moisture issues.
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood. Instead, they can be seen going out (usually at night) to forage for sweets and proteins.
(Photo: John Obermeyer, Purdue University)
Size: Workers range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long (6–13 mm); swarmers are 4/5 inch long (20 mm)
Color: Dull black
Shape: Slender, segmented body with a narrow waist (1 node), bent antennae, and 6 legs
Legs: 6 legs
Antennae: Elbowed antennae; not clubbed
Head: Large mandibles that can chew through wood; may bite when threatened
Body: Narrow waist (petiole) with 1 node; thorax is smooth and evenly-rounded; abdomen is covered in sparse, light-colored hairs
Wings: Swarmers have 2 sets of transparent wings; the forewings are longer than their hindwings
Red Carpenter Ant
Camponotus chromaiodes
Similar to but less common than Black Carpenter Ants.
(Photo: OhioAnts)
Size: Workers range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long (6–13 mm); swarmers are 4/5 inch long (20 mm)
Color: Red and black
Shape: Slender, segmented body with a narrow waist (1 node), bent antennae, and 6 legs
Legs: 6 legs with a rusty red hue
Antennae: Elbowed antennae; not clubbed
Head: Large mandibles that can chew through wood; may bite when threatened
Body: The middle of its body is rusty red while the front and rear are dark; narrow waist (petiole) with 1 node; thorax is smooth and evenly-rounded; abdomen is covered in sparse, light-colored hairs
Wings: Swarmers are dark-colored and have 2 sets of transparent wings; the forewings are longer than their hindwings
Chestnut Carpenter Ant
Camponotus castaneus
Compared to other species of carpenter ants, chestnut carpenter ants are not considered to be a serious pest of wood products.
These amber-colored ants prefer to nest in soil rather than wood. However, they can still occasionally be found invading homes and other structures.
(Photo: David Hilmy)
Size: Workers range from 1/4 to 3/8 inch long (7–10 mm); swarmers are 4/5 inch long (20 mm)
Color: Reddish-orange or amber
Shape: Slender, segmented body with a narrow waist (1 node), bent antennae, and 6 legs
Legs: 6 legs
Antennae: Elbowed antennae; not clubbed
Head: Large mandibles that can chew through wood; may bite when threatened
Body: Smooth, reddish-orange body with a narrow waist (petiole) with 1 node; thorax is smooth and evenly-rounded
Wings: Swarmers have 2 sets of transparent wings; the forewings are longer than their hindwings
