Little Black Ant

Category:

Actual Size: 1.5 to 2 mm

Characteristics: Dark brown to black in color with a shiny sheen.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Reproductive males and females have wings.

Habitat: Typically nests in wooded areas such as near stumps, trees, or firewood. May also invade wall voids, cabinets, and masonry when indoors.

Habits: 

  • Generally prefers to remain outdoors, and most infestations can be traced to a tree or stump outside.
  • Capable of wiping out entire colonies of small red important fire ants.
  • May nest behind wall voids, cabinets, and building foundations.


Little Black Ants in North Jersey

The little black ant, a frequent visitor in North Jersey, is often considered a nuisance when it comes to structures. However, these tiny creatures are remarkably adaptable and tend to prefer outdoor nesting rather than forming colonies indoors. They typically venture into homes or buildings in search of shelter or food. Omnivorous by nature, little black ants feast on a wide range of foods, ranging from plants and animals to sweets, meats, grease, insects, and even bird droppings. Eliminating these persistent pests can pose quite a challenge, as the colonies can grow quite large and contain multiple queens. Disruptions to the colony may just cause it to split and re-form, rather than wiping out the infestation.

Little Black Ant Habitat

Little black ant infestations typically originate outdoors and can be linked to various sources like mulch, stones, stumps, trees, logs, fences, or piles of lumber or bricks. Indoors, these resilient ants establish their colonies in wall voids, cabinets, foundations, and even behind brick or stone veneers. During peak population periods, little black ants can swiftly spread throughout a structure, infiltrating every nook and cranny. Discovering little black ants inside your home might indicate a more extensive infestation outdoors or within the building itself.

Little Black Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Though little black ants have a small stinger, they are not aggressive toward humans. That said, they are invasive and can wipe out native populations of ants – they’ve even been known to eliminate entire colonies of red imported fire ants. While little black ants are more of a nuisance pest than a threat to human health, the colonies can grow exceptionally large and may be unsettling to encounter. Infestations are difficult to treat, which is why you should always contact licensed ant pest control technician if you’re struggling with these pests in your home or business. At Eastern Pest Services, we take pride in delivering effective ant control treatments that can take care of even the most persistent species.