s Pest Library - Spider
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Field Ants

Field Ants

Field Ants

Facts, Identification & Control

Latin Name

Formica spp.

Appearance

What do they look like?
field ant picture

  • Size: Depending on the species, the size of the workers ranges from 4 to 8 mm.
  • Color: Coloration includes yellow, red, black or a combination of red and black.

How Did I Get Field Ants?

Field ants create mounds in open areas like lawns and meadows. They do not nest in homes but may come inside when swarming or searching for food. Inadequate weather stripping and cracked windows can let the pests indoors. Mounds built close to the foundation may also enable the ants to more easily enter a home. These are very large ants and are sometimes incorrectly thought to be carpenter ants.

How Serious Are Field Ants?

Field ant mounds can be three to four feet wide and up to two feet tall. The large nests affect grass growth and landscaping. When disturbed, field ants respond with a painful bite that, fortunately, does not have lasting effects. To remove a field ant mound, homeowners must get rid of the colony's queen hidden deep underground, which can prove difficult. Other methods to control field ants include the use of liquid insecticides and solid bait granules.

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