Field Ant Identification and Control
Correct identification is an important first step in pest control.
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Field Ant
Formica spp.
How To Identify a Field Ant
Field ants can be all black in color or reddish brown and black. They have one node (bump between middle and rear body sections). Field ants are often mistaken for carpenter ants, but are not as likely to forage indoors. They also have a depression in the their thorax which differentiates them from the carpenter ant. Field ants vary in size and are most commonly found in yards and gardens.
Where Do They Come From
Field ants nest outdoors in loose soil. They may produce mounds (sometimes incorporating twigs, dried leaves and other plant materials) in exposed areas or nest under rocks, logs, etc. They do not frequently come indoors.
What Do They Look Like
Field ant eating.
Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
Close up view of a field ant's head.
Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
Note the ocelli on the top of the head of the field ant.
Drawn by Kevin Thorn
Dorsal view of a field ant.
Photo by April Nobile / URL
Head and mouth pieces of a field ant.
Photo by April Nobile / URL
Full view of a field ant.
Photo by April Nobile / URL
Where Do They Live
Open fields, woodlands, decaying or soiled logs
Photo to the left by Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
Name:
Formica spp.
Size:
4-8 mm, can vary
Diet:
Honeydew, sweets, and insects
Tips & Tricks
How To Keep Ants Away
- Trim back any shrubs or trees that come into contact with buildings. When plants touch a home or building they create an easy way for ants to crawl onto and access the building.
- Seal all potential ant entryways. Common entry ways are around windows, doors, and utility lines.
- Keep dry pet food in sealed bins and clean up any spills.
How To Get Rid Of Ants
- Try to locate and destroy all nests by following ant trails from food source to the nest.
- Use an insecticidal bait, especially during winter through early spring with populations are small.
- Controlling these ants is hard, so consider hiring a pest management professional to help.
Don’t let ants take over. Thorn can help.
Fill out the form below to contact us so we can help eliminate ants fast.
How Thorn Can Help
Ants can be difficult to control, but that’s what we are here for. We use a two treatment plan to gain control of your ant problem.
Thorn's Approach
We take a scientific approach to ant control. We start with an inspection and assessment to help us identify the ants, locate where they are, and create a specific plan for your property. Every home and business is different and requires a unique strategy.
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Our Approach to Pest Control
Proper pest management starts with a detailed inspection and assessment from an expert pest professional before treatment. Thorn Pest Solutions uses a three-step process rooted in science to eliminate pests with long-term results.
Driven By Science. Lead By Service.
Assess Situation
First, we identify the root problem(s) with a site assessment. Pests are almost always an indicator of an environmental condition. This will determine the best actions to provide short and your long-term results against pests.
Execute Action Plan
Next, we develop a plan to fix the problems we discovered. This includes solving current pest issues, eliminating conducive conditions, and monitoring for future pest activity. Good pest management starts with a good plan.
Track Success
Lastly, we implement the solutions we developed including inspection, monitoring, and preventing future pest infestations. Good pest control requires a good offense and not just defense. Prevention is key.