Mostly a place for the flora and fauna of the area.
Flying Ants vs Termites / Flying Termites
We have an anthill in the middle of the back yard. What kind of ants? Large, dark. They're the wrong color for Allegheny Mound Ants, and Carpenter Ants (which they look more like) don't live in the dirt like that. I think maybe they formed an anthill under a big rotting limb and then the stick got removed leaving them exposed. Maybe?
Common Pest Species of Ants – 21 economically important species of ants that are in North America
Has a pdf of a typology of 21 ants. Relies on shape of thorax and spine, though, so hard to tell.
Single Petiole:
Double petiole:
https://www.patriotpestsolutions.net/2023/05/14/common-ant-species-pennsylvania/
Regrouped by increasing size.
10. Little Black Ants (Monomorium minimum) – Little black ants, as their name suggests, are small, shiny black ants measuring around 1/16 inch in length. They are common household pests and can quickly establish colonies indoors. Little black ants are attracted to sweets and are often found foraging in kitchens and pantry areas. Their small size allows them to access even the tiniest cracks and crevices.
5. Thief Ants (Solenopsis molesta) – Thief ants, also known as grease ants, are tiny ants measuring only 1/16 inch in length. They are light yellow to brown in color and often nest close to other ant colonies. Thief ants are attracted to fatty and greasy foods, making kitchens and pantries their primary targets. Their small size allows them to access sealed containers, making them difficult to control.
7. Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis) – Pharaoh ants are small, light-yellow ants measuring around 1/16 inch in length. They are known for their ability to establish large colonies, often nesting in warm, humid areas. Pharaoh ants are a significant nuisance in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, as they can contaminate sterile environments. They are attracted to sugary foods and can quickly infest kitchens and pantries.
1. Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile) – Odorous house ants, also known as sugar ants, are a common pest in Pennsylvania. These ants emit a distinct odor when crushed, often described as a “rotten coconut” smell. They are small, measuring around 1/8 inch in length, and vary in color from dark brown to black. Odorous house ants are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, searching for sweet and greasy food sources.
3. Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum) – Pavement ants are small ants commonly found in Pennsylvania. They are dark brown to black in color and measure about 1/8 inch in length. Pavement ants derive their name from their nesting habits, often establishing colonies under sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. These ants are opportunistic feeders and can invade homes in search of sugary foods, proteins, and fats.
6. Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) – While not native to Pennsylvania, red imported fire ants have been introduced to some areas and can pose a threat. These aggressive ants have a reddish-brown color and range from 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length. Red imported fire ants construct large mounds in open areas and can deliver painful stings when disturbed. Their stings can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, making their presence a concern.
4. Acrobat Ants (Crematogaster spp.) – Acrobat ants are named for their unique behavior of raising their abdomen over their thorax when disturbed, similar to a gymnast performing a somersault. They are light to dark brown in color and measure around 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length. Acrobat ants nest in various locations, including tree cavities, wall voids, and damaged wood. They can also establish satellite colonies indoors, making them a nuisance for homeowners.
8. Citronella Ants (Lasius spp.) – Citronella ants are light to dark brown ants that emit a lemon-like odor when crushed. They are larger ants, ranging from 1/4 to 3/8 inch in length. Citronella ants primarily nest in soil and are typically found near foundations and concrete structures. While they do not pose significant threats to humans, their presence indoors can be alarming and require professional control measures.
2. Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.) – Carpenter ants are another prevalent ant species in Pennsylvania, known for their ability to cause structural damage. These ants are larger than odorous house ants, ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. Carpenter ants are typically black but can have reddish or yellowish coloration as well. They excavate galleries in wood, which can weaken structures over time. Carpenter ants are often found near water sources and damp areas.
9. Allegheny Mound Ants (Formica exsectoides) – Allegheny mound ants are large, reddish-brown ants [bicolor, red body, black butt] that construct noticeable mounds in open areas such as lawns and fields. These ants are primarily found in rural areas of Pennsylvania. Allegheny mound ants are not considered indoor pests but can be a nuisance when their mounds disrupt landscaping or when they forage for food around homes.
Most Common Ants in Pittsburgh – only new one is these, and they're too small.
Crazy Ants – These tiny ants are fast-moving creatures that move in an erratic pattern (which is how they get the word “crazy” in their name). Commonly found in yards, these ants have no problem invading homes when they find a way inside. Not only can they quickly become a nuisance/disturbance when they invade in large numbers, but they can also be an issue when they get into electronics and car engines.