About Ants
Ant infestations are the most common pest problem in Central Alabama. These tiny scavengers invade homes and businesses looking for food and moisture. Cracks around windows, doors, and foundations provide easy entry, and once inside, ant colonies grow quickly. Warm weather and heavy rains often increase activity, making them a year-round concern in the region.
Diet and Habits
Ants feed on sugar, proteins, grease, vegetables, and even dead insects. Outdoors, they nest in soil, under logs, or in mulch. Indoors, they form foraging trails that lead to pantries, sinks, or pet food bowls. Colonies can number in the thousands, with juveniles maturing into workers within days.
Common Ants in Central Alabama
- Carpenter Ants: Large, black or red ants that hollow damp or decaying wood for nesting.
- Red Imported Fire Ants: Aggressive ants that build large mounds and deliver painful stings.
- Pavement Ants: Small ants that nest in cracks of sidewalks, driveways, and building slabs.
- Pharaoh Ants: Tiny yellow ants often found in hospitals, restaurants, and apartments.
- Argentine Ants: Highly invasive brown ants that form massive colonies in urban areas.
Identification Tip
Winged ants are often mistaken for termites. Ants have narrow “waists” and bent antennae, while termites have broad bodies and straight antennae.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ants spread disease?
While not major disease carriers, they can contaminate food and surfaces as they travel through unsanitary areas.
Why do ants appear after rain?
Heavy rainfall floods outdoor colonies, forcing ants to move indoors in search of dry shelter.
Are fire ants dangerous?
Yes. Fire ants sting in swarms, causing painful welts and sometimes allergic reactions.
Do carpenter ants eat wood?
No. They excavate wood to create nesting galleries but do not consume it like termites.