While ants are a common sight in Arizona, there’s more to these tiny insects than meets the eye. Ants are resilient creatures that inhabit a wide range of environments, from lush forests to arid deserts. In Arizona and throughout the rest of the world, ants frequently invade homes in search of food, water, and shelter.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of ants, the first step is being able to identify them. Let’s learn about the common ant species in Arizona and how you prevent these invaders from becoming a significant problem in your home.
Understanding Arizona’s Climate
Arizona is semi-arid to arid climate, which means hot, dry summers and mild winters. These conditions create an ideal environment for various ant species to thrive. The heat and lack of moisture drive ants indoors in search of water and cooler temperatures, often leading to infestations in kitchens and bathrooms.
A variety of ant species have adapted to survive and prosper in the Copper State’s unique environment. For your convenience, we’ve gathered information about a few common ant species you may encounter in your Arizona living space.
Common Arizona Ants You May Encounter and How To Spot Them
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are one of the largest and most recognizable ant species in Arizona. They can range from ¼ to ½ inch in length and are typically black or dark brown. These ants often target moist, decayed wood but can also infest healthy wood. Unlike other wood-destroying insects like termites, carpenter ants do not consume wood. They carve into wood to create nests, causing structural damage if left unchecked.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are notorious for their aggressive behavior and painful bites. They are reddish-brown and range from ⅛ to ¼ inch in length. Fire ants build large, irregular mounds that can reach up to 18 inches in diameter. You’ll often see their large sprawling ant hills in open, sunny areas such as lawns, parks, or worse, your backyard. Fire ants are fiercely territorial and quick to reproduce, which makes fast identification and removal paramount. You may only see a few scouts in or near your home, but that could quickly turn into a full infestation in just a few days. If you have concerns about fire ants, contact an Arizona pest control expert immediately.
Harvester Ants
Harvester ants stand as a fascinating example of ant adaptability and ingenuity. Ranging from ¼ to ½ inch in length, they are named for their habit of collecting seeds. They store the seeds they find in communal chambers called granaries, just like human farmers would. This seed-harvesting behavior makes them well-suited to create and maintain a steady food source in the desert environment.
Harvester ants build large, flat nests with multiple entrances, often marked by a cleared area devoid of any vegetation. While they play a crucial role in the ecosystem, their nests can be unsightly. Additionally, harvester ant stings can leave you and your loved ones with painful red welts, making this pest an unwelcome guest in your Arizona home.
Count on Burns Pest Elimination for Arizona Ant Control Solutions
Learning about common ant species in Arizona is the first step in your journey back to peace of mind–the next step is to rely on Burns Pest Elimination. With extensive experience in dealing with all types of invasive ants in Arizona, we have the skills and expertise you need to effectively eliminate them from your home.
With over 40 years of experience in Arizona pest control and thousands of satisfied customers, you can trust our family-owned and operated business to be at your door with qualified professionals. From acrobat and Argentine ants to tiny yellow crazy ants in your kitchen, we’ll provide you with a fast response time and an effective pest control treatment plan.
Contact Burns Pest Elimination today to schedule a free ant inspection in Arizona today.
