How to identify and treat field ants
Controlling field ants at home
Remember those classic ant mounds as a kid? Well, as a homeowner, they can be the unwelcome signs that field ants have surrounded your home. Are you ready for the coming invasion?
Field ants are a broad name for several species of ants in the genus Formica. These outdoor ants are known for their large size, colorful variety, and love of building mounds in open, sunny areas like lawns and gardens.
They build their nests in the ground, often creating large colonies that can persist for years. The workers forage for food, mostly harvesting honeydew from aphids, and bring it back to the nest to feed the colony. Though they don’t typically invade homes, keeping them out of your yard can be a challenge if left unchecked.
How to identify field ants
Field ants are larger than most ants and come in a variety of colors. You can easily identify them by the round mounds that they build in your yard or garden. They have a single bump, called a node, on their thin waist between their thorax and abdomen. Field ants can be black, brown, red, or yellow, and you might even see some with mixed coloring.
How big are field ants?
Field ants are relatively large, typically measuring between 1/8 to 3/8 inch long.
Where do field ants live?
They live throughout the United States and prefer open fields and lawns. They don’t usually invade homes.
How to get rid of field ants
Field ants aren’t usually a problem inside your home, but if you’re worried about them being in your yard, here are a few tips you can follow to reduce their numbers:
- Destroy the mounds: Regularly flatten or disturb their mounds using a rake or shovel to discourage them from rebuilding in the same spot.
- Water the lawn deeply: Deep watering can flood their nests, encouraging them to move elsewhere.
- Maintain a clean yard: Keep your yard free of food debris, pet food, and other attractants that might draw them closer to your home.
- Apply an insect barrier: Consider using a perimeter spray, like the pro-grade, DIY solution Pestie offers. Get your customized pest control plan here.
Treat field ants with Pestie
If you're still having trouble keeping field ants away, the best option is to use a pro-grade, effective pest control solution like Pestie.
Pestie is a do-it-yourself pest control solution that's specially designed to keep field ants and other pests away from your home.
With Pestie, you can rest easy knowing that your living space is protected and free of creepy crawlies. And the best part? It's designed for people, pets, and the planet, so you can say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to peace of mind!
- Save hundreds compared to traditional annual pest plans
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- Pro-grade customized formulas
Quick facts
- Scientific name
Formica Pallidefulva
- Other common names
Thatching Ants, Red Ants, Wood Ants
- Colors
Red, black, brown, and yellow
- Life span
2 weeks to 3 months, queens – 2+ years
- Diet
Honeydew and dead insects
How dangerous are Field Ants?
Low danger risk
Field ants aren’t dangerous or harmful to people. They are mostly a nuisance in yards and can bite if threatened.
Some queen ants will start a coup in another queen’s nest. She will secretly invade another colony, take out the queen, and then manipulate the workers to raise her brood instead. Eventually, all the workers will be her daughters instead.
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Grant specializes in the pest control and AgTech industries, blending scientific expertise with creative storytelling.