Ants in Maryland are a diverse bunch, with several species that have adapted to different ecological niches.
With over 56 species of ants found in the state, there is a good chance that you will encounter some at some point.
While most ants are harmless, some can cause damage to property or even bite humans.
Ants are everywhere in Maryland. They’re in our homes, our yards, and our parks. But what do we really know about these tiny creatures?
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of ants in Maryland, including identification tips, size and color information, and the impact of ants on the Maryland environment.
Common Ants In Maryland
Ants are one of the most common insects in the world, and Maryland is no exception. While there are more than 100 species of ants in the state, here are a few common ones you might encounter:
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are known for their remarkable ability to excavate wood. Although they don’t actually eat wood, they tunnel through it to create nests.
- Size: Carpenter ants in Maryland range in size from 1/4 to 1 inch long, with the workers being the smallest and the queens being the largest.
- Color: Carpenter ants are typically black or dark brown in color, but may also have some light red parts.
- Habitat: Carpenter ants nest in wood, both indoors and outdoors. They prefer moist wood, so they are often found in areas that are prone to water damage, such as around leaky faucets or pipes.
- Biodiversity: There are over 20 species of carpenter ants in Maryland.
- Complications: Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to wood structures if they are left unchecked. Their tunnels can weaken wood and make it more susceptible to failure.
- Impact: Carpenter ants are a major pest in Maryland, and they can cause significant damage to homes and businesses.
Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants are a common sight in Maryland homes, often invading kitchens in search of sweets and moisture. They are more of a nuisance than a danger.
- Size & Color:Odorous house ants in Maryland range in size from 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. Odorous house ants are black or dark brown in color.
- Habitat: Odorous house ants nest in moist, sheltered areas, such as under sinks, behind refrigerators, and in wall voids. They are also attracted to food sources, so they may be found in kitchens and pantries.
- Biodiversity: There is one species of odorous house ant in Maryland.
- Complications: Odorous house ants can contaminate food and water sources. They can also be a nuisance, especially if they are present in large numbers.
- Impact: Odorous house ants are a minor pest in Maryland, but they can be a nuisance if they are present in large numbers.
Red Imported Fire Ants
Red imported fire ants, while not native to Maryland, have made their way into the state.
- Size: Red imported fire ants in Maryland range in size from 1/16 to 1/4 inch long.
- Color: Red imported fire ants are red or reddish brown in color.
- Habitat: Red imported fire ants nest in open, sunny areas, such as lawns, parks, and golf courses. They also prefer moist soil.
- Biodiversity: There is one species of red imported fire ant in Maryland.
- Complications: Red imported fire ants have a painful sting that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Their nests can also damage lawns and gardens.
- Impact: Red imported fire ants are a major pest in Maryland, and they can cause significant damage to property and public health.
Allegheny Mound Ants
Allegheny mound ants are a common sight in the Appalachian region of Maryland.construct large, conspicuous mounds that are easily distinguishable in the landscape.
- Size: Allegheny mound ants in Maryland range in size from 1/4 to 3/8 inch long.
- Color: Allegheny mound ants are black or dark brown in color.
- Habitat: Allegheny mound ants build large mounds of soil in open, sunny areas, such as meadows, pastures, and woodlands.
- Biodiversity: There is one species of Allegheny mound ant in Maryland.
- Complications: Allegheny mound ants can kill vegetation around their mounds, and their bites can be painful.
- Impact: Allegheny mound ants are a minor pest in Maryland, but they can be a nuisance if their mounds are located in areas where people and pets are active.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are often found in urban and suburban areas, nesting beneath sidewalks and driveways.
- Size: Pavement ants in Maryland range in size from 1/16 to 1/8 inch long.
- Color: Pavement ants are black or dark brown in color.
- Habitat: Pavement ants nest in the cracks and crevices of pavement, sidewalks, and driveways. They also prefer moist areas, so they may be found near water sources.
- Biodiversity: There is one species of pavement ant in Maryland.
- Complications: Pavement ants can contaminate food and water sources. They can also be a nuisance, especially if they are present in large numbers.
- Impact: Pavement ants are a minor pest in Maryland, but they can be a nuisance if they are present in large numbers.
Acrobat ants in Maryland
Acrobat ants are known for their distinctive heart-shaped abdomens and their ability to raise their abdomens in the air when disturbed, similar to acrobats performing a stunt.
- Size: Acrobat ants are in size from 1/16 to 1/4 inch long.
- Color: Acrobat ants are light brown to black in color.
- Habitat: Acrobat ants nest in wood, both indoors and outdoors. They prefer moist wood, so they are often found in areas that are prone to water damage, such as around leaky faucets or pipes. They can also be found in kitchens and pantries, as they are attracted to food sources.
- Biodiversity: There is one species of acrobat ant in Maryland.
- Complications: Acrobat ants can contaminate food and water sources. They can also be a nuisance, especially if they are present in large numbers.
- Impact: Acrobat ants are a minor pest in Maryland, but they can be a nuisance if they are present in large numbers.
Field Ants in Maryland
Field ants are often found in open, grassy areas, and they create underground nests.
They play a role in controlling insect populations and are known for their aggressive defense of their nests.
- Size: Field ants in Maryland range in size from 1/8 to 1/4 inch long.
- Color: Field ants are typically black or dark brown in color, but may also have some red or yellow markings.
- Habitat: Field ants nest in open areas, such as fields, meadows, and lawns. They prefer moist, sandy soil.
- Biodiversity: There are over 100 species of field ants in Maryland.
- Complications: Field ants can be a nuisance, especially if they are present in large numbers. They can also contaminate food and water sources.
- Impact: Field ants are a minor pest in Maryland, but they can be a nuisance if they are present in large numbers.
Conclusion
Ants, often overlooked in our daily lives, are essential components of Maryland’s environment.
With their diverse species, varying in size and color, these tiny creatures have a significant influence on local ecosystems.
They contribute to soil health, assist in seed dispersal, provide pest control, aid in decomposition, and even engineer microhabitats.
The next time you spot an ant scurrying about, take a moment to appreciate its role in the delicate balance of nature, right here in Maryland.
