10 Ants Species Found in the Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Bradenton, & Parrish areas of Florida

Are you tired of sharing your home or backyard with pesky ants? The Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Parrish areas of Florida are home to various ant species, The types of ants found in Parrish vary as this area of Florida is experiencing a large amount of growth.  Understanding the different types of ants found in our area is the first step in getting rid of them. Having regular pest control service from a professional exterminator will help prevent these ant infestations from happening in the first place. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the most common ants in our area of Florida and provide tips on how to identify and get rid of them.

Red Imported Fire Ants

One of the most aggressive ants found in Parrish, the red imported fire ant, is identified its reddish-brown color and painful bite. Fire ants can be found in various habitats, including lawns, fields, and gardens. They construct large mounds, and can be a serious problem in outdoor areas. They are known to be aggressive and will sting and bite if they feel threatened. They are also known to defend their mounds aggressively. To control fire ants, it is important to locate and treat the mounds rather than trying to kill the ants individually. An appropriately selected granule bait that targets foraging ants is the best control method.

Bigheaded Ants 

Bigheaded ants are often confused for Fire Ants.  These ants are known to be aggressive and can be found in lawns and gardens and will invade homes by the thousands. Bigheaded ants are attracted to a variety of foods, especially pet foods that get left in bowls. Nesting sites are usually out in the landscape under pavers, rocks, near trees, and other decorative structures. It is best to find the nesting sites and treat them directly using granule bait or a non-repellent insecticide around the home’s perimeter.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are the most damaging ant found in Parrish.  They are large ants that like to excavate wood to make nests, which can weaken the structure of your home. They are usually found in damp or rotting wood. They are known to nest in wood and can cause structural damage if left untreated. They are also attracted to sweet substances and may invade homes in search of food. To control carpenter ants, it is important to locate and treat their nests, as well as eliminate any sources of moisture that may be attracting them. Locating the Carpenter Ant colony can be difficult, as the colony may not be located in the house or structure they’re infesting.

White-footed Ants

White-footed ants are mostly black in appearance and can invade homes by the thousands. They are known to be attracted to sweet substances and are known to invade homes in search of food. They are also known to be attracted to protein-based foods. They like to nest in soil and can be found in gardens, lawns, and near foundations. It is vital to keep shrubs and flowering plants off the house to prevent recurring problems. A non-repellent insecticide paired with gel baits is the most effective way to get rid of these ants. 

Thief Ants

Thief ants are tiny, yellow-brown ants known to steal food from other ant colonies. They are often found in homes and gardens and can be a nuisance because of their small size and ability to infiltrate tight spaces. They are known to nest in soil and can be found in gardens, lawns, and near foundations. They are attracted to sweet substances and may invade homes looking for food. This ant is similar in characteristics to the Pharaoh Ant.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants are tiny, yellow ants that are known for their ability to multiply quickly. They are often found in warm, humid environments, such as hospitals and nursing homes, and can be a severe problem because of their small size and ability to infiltrate tight spaces. They are known to nest in walls and other tight spaces and can be difficult to control once they’ve established a colony. Pharaoh Ants are one of the few ants that can spread Salmonella, which is why these ants should not be taken lightly.

Pyramid Ants

Pyramid ants are tiny, reddish-brown ants that are known to build large pyramid-shaped mounds. They are often found in lawns, gardens, and outdoor areas. They are known to nest in soil and can be found in gardens, lawns, and near foundations. They are also attracted to sweet substances and may invade homes for food, although it is much less common than other ants. To control pyramid ants, it is important to locate and treat the mounds rather than trying to kill the ants individually.  However, we avoid killing pyramid ants at all costs.  The reason?  Pyramid ants will go to war with fire ants. They also eat other insects too.    

Argentine Ants

Argentine ants are tiny, light-brown ants that are known to form large colonies. They are often found in homes, gardens, and outdoor areas and can be a severe problem because of their large numbers. They are known to nest in soil and can be found in gardens, lawns, and near foundations. They are also attracted to sweet substances and may invade homes for food. To control Argentine ants, it is important to locate and treat their nests and eliminate any sources of food that may be attracting them. These ants can be incredibly difficult to control due to their satellite colonies that can spread throughout multiple properties.

Ghost Ants

Ghost ants are tiny, pale ants known for their ability to move quickly and quietly. They are often found in homes and gardens and can be a nuisance because of their small size and ability to infiltrate tight spaces. They are known to nest in soil and can be found in gardens, lawns, and near foundations. These ants are primarily attracted to sweet foods and can often be found inside the kitchen and pantry. Occasionally they will also be found in bathrooms targeting fragrant soaps, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene items. Baiting for these ants is the preferred treatment method since they target the queen and can lead to longer-lasting control.

Tawny (Raspberry) Crazy Ants

Of all the ants found in Parrish, Tawny crazy ants are the ones I least like to see.  Many pest control companies will not even treat them as they require an immense amount of bait as their populations are extremely large.  They are small, reddish-brown ants known for their erratic behavior. They are often found in homes, gardens, and outdoor areas and can be a severe problem because of their massive numbers. They are known to nest in soil and can be found in gardens, lawns, and near foundations. They are also attracted to sweet substances and may invade homes for food. To control tawny crazy ants, it is important to locate and treat their nests which may be coming from neighboring properties.

Read More About Ants:  “Flying Ants: Why They Suddenly Appear & How To Get Rid Of Them”

Need Help Getting Rid of Ants in Your Parrish Home? 

Understanding the different types of ants found in our area is the first step to exterminating them. Each ant species has its own behavior and characteristics, and it is important to correctly identify the ant species present in your home or yard in order to eliminate them effectively. If you’re having trouble getting rid of ants, it’s best to consult with a professional pest control company such as Rodent Solutions Inc, which can provide a customized treatment plan for your specific ant problem.