Common Texas Ant Species
Identify the ant species in your property and understand the specific threats and treatments required.
Fire Ants
Solenopsis invicta
Aggressive red ants that deliver painful stings and can swarm when disturbed. Fire ants are the most dangerous ant species in Texas and require immediate professional treatment.
Identification
- Reddish-brown to dark red color
- 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length
- Build large mound nests in yards
Primary Concerns
- Painful, burning stings that can cause allergic reactions
- Can swarm and attack in large numbers
Common Locations
Outdoor areas, lawns, gardens, near water sources, and around structures
Treatment Required
Professional baiting systems and targeted colony elimination
Carpenter Ants
Camponotus species
Large black ants that can cause structural damage by excavating galleries in wood. They are particularly problematic in homes with moisture issues.
Identification
- Large size (1/4 to 1/2 inch long)
- Black or dark brown color
- Heart-shaped head
Primary Concerns
- Structural damage to wooden structures
- Can weaken support beams and framing
Common Locations
Moist or damaged wood, wall voids, insulation, and around leaky pipes
Treatment Required
Moisture control, baiting, and direct colony treatment
Little Black Ants
Monomorium minimum
Small dark ants commonly found in kitchens and pantries. They are attracted to sweets and greasy foods.
Identification
- Very small (1/16 inch long)
- Black or dark brown color
- Two-segmented waist
Primary Concerns
- Food contamination
- Difficult to control due to small size
Common Locations
Kitchens, pantries, bathrooms, and areas with food debris
Treatment Required
Sanitation, baiting programs, and crack and crevice treatments
Acrobat Ants
Crematogaster species
Medium-sized ants with heart-shaped abdomens that can hold their abdomen over their head when disturbed.
Identification
- Medium size (1/8 inch long)
- Light brown to black color
- Heart-shaped abdomen
Primary Concerns
- Can damage insulation and wood
- May bite when threatened
Common Locations
Decaying wood, insulation, wall voids, and around moisture sources
Treatment Required
Moisture elimination, baiting, and structural treatments
Pharaoh Ants
Monomorium pharaonis
Small yellow ants that are particularly problematic in healthcare facilities and multi-unit buildings.
Identification
- Very small (1/16 inch long)
- Light yellow to reddish color
- Two-segmented waist
Primary Concerns
- Can spread disease-causing bacteria
- Extremely difficult to eliminate
Common Locations
Warm, humid areas like hospitals, apartments, and commercial buildings
Treatment Required
Specialized baiting programs with professional monitoring
