Ants have been present in Florida for millions of years, and the state’s warm climate and diverse habitats have allowed a wide variety of ant species to thrive.
Ants play a crucial role in Florida’s ecosystems by aerating soil, dispersing seeds, and preying on other insects. They can significantly influence the plant and animal populations in their habitats.
Some ant species are native to Florida, while others have been introduced from other parts of the world.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the most common ant species in Florida. We’ll learn about their habitats, their behaviors, and the nicknames that locals have given them.
Types Of Ants In Florida
Ants are one of the most common and diverse groups of insects in the world. There are over 12,000 known species of ants, and over 270 species can be found in Florida. While some ants are harmless, others can be pests or even dangerous.
Argentine Ants (Sugar Ant)
Argentine ants are those tiny but super persistent invaders you can’t help but notice in Florida. They’re also very good at finding food, which makes them a common pest in homes and businesses.
- Size & Color:Argentine ants are small, measuring 1/16″ to 1/8″ in length. They are dark brown or black in color.
- Habitat: Argentine ants are highly adaptable and They prefer warm, moist conditions and often nest in soil, mulch, or under rocks.
- Biodiversity: Argentine ants are an invasive species and can displace native ant species in the areas where they are abundant.
- Complications: Argentine ants can carry and transmit a number of diseases, including salmonellosis and shigellosis.
- Impact: Argentine ants can damage crops and lawns, and they can also cause problems in homes and businesses.
Rover Ants in Florida
Rover Ants are like the explorers of the Sunshine State. These ants vary in size but are generally small, equipped for their adventures.
- Size & Color: Rover ants are small, measuring 1/16″ to 1/8″ in length. They are light brown to reddish-brown in color.
- Habitat: Rover ants are native to the United States.They prefer warm, humid conditions and often nest in soil, mulch, or under rocks.
- Biodiversity: They are not a highly invasive species, but they can displace native ant species in the areas where they are abundant.
- Complications: They can carry and transmit a number of diseases, including salmonellosis and shigellosis.
- Impact: Rover ants can be a nuisance to humans and animals when they forage for food indoors or outdoors.
Fire Ants (Red Ant)
Fire ants are small. They’re found all over Florida, and they can be especially bothersome if you’re trying to enjoy a picnic or a day at the beach.
- Size & Color: Fire ants are small, measuring 1/16″ to 1/8″ in length. They are reddish-brown in color with a darker abdomen.
- Habitat: Fire ants nest in the soil in open areas such as fields, meadows, and parks.
- Biodiversity: Fire ants are an invasive species and can displace native ant species in the areas where they are abundant.
- Complications: They can sting humans and animals, and their stings can be painful and cause allergic reactions.
- Impact: Fire ants can be a nuisance to humans and animals, and they can pose a health risk. They can also damage crops and lawns.
Carpenter Ants (Big Ant)
Carpenter ants in Florida are the big guys, some reaching up to an inch in length. Interestingly, they don’t munch on wood; they carve it out to create comfy nests.
- Size & Color: Carpenter ants are medium-sized ants, measuring 1/4″ to 3/8″ in length. They are black or dark brown in color with a reddish-brown abdomen.
- Habitat: Carpenter ants nest in moist wood, often in damaged or decaying trees and stumps.
- Biodiversity: Carpenter ants are not a highly invasive species, but they can displace native ant species in the areas where they are abundant.
- Complications: Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to homes and businesses by excavating tunnels in wood
- Impact: Carpenter ants can pose a health risk if they contaminate food or surfaces. They can also carry and transmit a number of diseases, including salmonellosis and shigellosis.
Pharaoh Ants in Florida (Hospital Ant)
Pharaoh Ants might not wear crowns, but they’re like tiny royalty in the ant world.
- Size & Color: Pharaoh ants are very small, measuring 1/15″ to 1/12″ in length. They are light yellowish to reddish-brown in color.
- Habitat: Pharaoh ants prefer warm, humid areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and other locations with ample access to water sources. They can also be found in hospitals, nursing homes, and other commercial buildings.
- Biodiversity: Pharaoh ants are a highly invasive species, and they are known to displace native ant species in the areas where they are introduced.
- Complications: Pharaoh ants can carry and transmit a number of diseases, including salmonellosis, shigellosis, and E. coli infections.
- Impact: Pharaoh ants can be a major nuisance in homes and businesses, and they can be difficult to control.
Florida Harvester Ants in Florida(Orange Ant)
Florida Harvester Ants are like the cleanup crew of Florida’s ecosystem. They come in various sizes, but they’re generally larger than your average ant, with some reaching up to half an inch.
- Size & Color: Florida harvester ants are medium-sized ants, measuring 1/4″ to 3/8″ in length. They are dark red to rusty brown in color.
- Habitat: Florida harvester ants nest in the soil in open areas such as fields, meadows, and parks.
- Biodiversity: They are not considered a highly invasive species. They play an important role in the ecosystem by aerating soil and recycling nutrients.
- Complications: Florida harvester ants can be a nuisance to humans and animals when they forage for food outdoors. They can also damage crops and lawns.
- Impact: Florida harvester ants are a beneficial species that plays an important role in the ecosystem. However, they can also be a nuisance to humans and animals when they forage for food outdoors.
Velvet Ants in Florida (Cow Killer)
Velvet Ants might not be your typical ants in Florida. In fact, they’re not ants at all but wingless wasps that have evolved to look like ants.
- Size & Color: Velvet ants are medium-sized ants, measuring 1/4″ to 3/8″ in length. They are black in color with a reddish-orange abdomen.
- Habitat: Florida velvet ants nest in the soil in open areas such as fields, meadows, and parks. They can also be found in lawns, gardens, and around homes and businesses.
- Biodiversity: Florida velvet ants are native to Florida and can be found in the southeastern United States, including Georgia. They are not considered a highly invasive species.
- Complications: Florida velvet ants have a painful sting that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Impact: Florida velvet ants are a beneficial species that plays an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. However, their painful sting can be a nuisance to humans and animals.
Acrobat Ants in Florida (Heart-shaped Ant)
Florida Acrobat Ants are like the circus performers of the ant world. They get their name from their incredible balancing act skills. While their size varies, they are generally small, making them nimble and agile.
- Size & Color: Acrobat ants are small to medium-sized ants, measuring 1/16″ to 1/4″ in length. They are black or dark brown in color.
- Habitat: Acrobat ants nest in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas.
- Biodiversity: Acrobat ants are not a highly invasive species, but they can displace native ant species in the areas where they are abundant.
- Complications: Acrobat ants can carry and transmit a number of diseases, including salmonellosis and shigellosis.
- Impact: Acrobat ants can be a nuisance to humans and animals when they forage for food indoors or outdoors.
Crazy Ants in Florida (Raspberry Crazy Ant)
Florida Crazy Ants, also known as Rasberry Crazy Ants, are the eccentric crawlers of the Sunshine State.
- Size & Color: Crazy ants are small, measuring 1/16″ to 1/8″ in length. They are light brown to reddish-brown in color with long, slender legs.
- Habitat: They prefer warm, humid areas and can be found in lawns, gardens, forests, and urban areas.
- Biodiversity: Crazy ants are an invasive species and can displace native ant species in the areas where they are abundant.
- Complications: Crazy ants can carry and transmit a number of diseases, including salmonellosis and shigellosis.
- Impact: Crazy ants can damage crops, lawns, and electrical equipment. They can also cause problems in homes and businesses by nesting in electrical outlets and light fixtures.
Conclusion
Ants are a fascinating part of the Florida ecosystem. They come in all shapes and sizes, and they play an important role in the environment. However, some ant species can also become pests. If you have an ant problem, be sure to contact a professional pest control company.
