Carpenter Ant

Color: Varies depending on species, from red to black or a combination. The two most common species are black.
Legs: 6
Shape: Segmented; oval
Size: 5/8″

Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate wood in order to build their nests. Their excavation results in smooth tunnels inside the wood. Carpenter ants range in size from one-quarter inch for a worker ant to up to three-quarters inch for a queen.

Habits
All species mainly attack wood that is or has been wet and damaged by mold. Even though these ants first invade wet, decayed wood, they may soon begin building paths through dry, undamaged wood. They usually come into buildings through cracks around doors, windows, or through holes for wires. They will also crawl along overhead wires, shrubs, or tree limbs that touch the building far above the ground.

Habitat
Carpenter ants build their nests outdoors in various wood sources, including tree stumps, firewood or landscaping. They need a constant water source to survive. They will enter homes through wet, damaged wood.

Threats
Carpenter ants damage wood through their nest building. If they gain entry to a structure, they pose a property threat.

Pavement Ants

Color: Dark brown to blackish
Legs: 6
Shape: Segmented; oval
Size: 1/8″

Pavement ants get their name because they make their nests in or under cracks in pavement. They can infest structures.

Habits
These ants will eat almost anything, including insects, seeds, honeydew, honey, bread, meats, nuts and cheese.

Habitat
These ants live in or under pavement cracks.

Threats
These ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided.

Odorous House Ants

Color: Brown or black
Legs: 6
Shape: Segmented; oval
Size: 1/16-1/8

This ant gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell it gives off when crushed. These tiny insects range in size from one-sixteenth of an inch to one-eighth of an inch long.

Habits
Odorous house ants like to eat sweets, especially melon.

Habitat
Typically living for several years, these ants make their homes in exposed soil and wall cracks.

Threats
These ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided.