Little Black Ant

Description: The black ant’s thorax lacks spines, and the petiole has two nodes. The abdomen is tipped by a small stinger. Each antenna ends in a three segmented club. The little black ant workers are 1/16 inch long. These characteristics also describe the Pharaoh ant; however, the characteristics which distinguishes these two species is the jet black color of the little black ant.

Biology: Little is known about the biology of this species. The colonies have several queens and rapidly grow within a fairly short period of time. The winged reproductive typically swarm in late spring or early fall.

Habits: Little black ants are found throughout the United States. They nest beneath stones, in lawns and in areas that lack vegetation. Their nests are easily located because they form small craters of fine soil at their entrances. These ants also nest in rotting wood and behind the woodwork or masonry of structures. Indoors they can be found under the edge of carpeting, in old termite galleries and in wall voids.

Little black ants like to feed on a variety of foods. They eat aphids as a source of honeydew, feed on meets or greases and are predacious on other insects. Indoors they feed on both greases and sweet foods.

Control: All cracks and gaps in exterior walls that provide access to voids and interior areas should be sealed. All debris from the exterior of the structure and other items on the ground where these ants can nest should be removed. Firewood should be stored off the ground.

Little black ants are best controlled by locating the nests and treating them with a residual insecticide. Exterior nests should be drenched with a liquid formulation. Nests in wall voids are more easily treated by aerosol injection or application of a dust formulation. Since these ants typically nest outdoors and forage indoors and the colonies are small, it is rarely necessary to apply a barrier spray to foundations and the soil immediately adjacent to the building.

Baits are very effective in controlling colonies. Baits should be placed where ant trails have been established and in locations where the ants have been sited. Unless using containerized baits indoors, they should be placed so that they are in accessible to children and pets. Sweet baits are the most effective; however, if acceptance is low, a protein bait should be considered.