Pharaoh Ants

They spread a variety of bacteria. Their colonies contain several reproductive females and hundreds of thousands of workers. Workers are about 1/16th” long, and are light in color – yellow to light brown. They usually eat sweets, such as fruit as well as greases and meats. These ants often invade the home. Females mate in the nest and new colonies form and move. This is called budding.

Southern Fire Ants

They are yellow to a dark, reddish brown color. They have a stinger at the tip of the abdomen. These ants inflict painful stings. There can be up to 250,000 ants in each mound. They nest in the soil at base of trees, shrubs, and grass or in homes. The fire ant species that have killed animals are not typically found in Arizona. Fire ants feed on practically everything.

Carpenter Ants

They infest wood damaged by water and are found inside and outside of the home. They thrive in the same environment as humans. They are among the largest ants found in the US. A queen lives up to 15 years and the workers live up to 7 years. They usually come out at night (nocturnal pests). They feed on other insects and anything humans eat. A pile of sawdust can be evidence of carpenter ant activity. They are often ½” black and ½” red in color.