Types of Ants Found in Texas and How They Impact You

If you have ever been outside in Texas, chances are you have seen a variety of ants. 

Ants can be found all over the state, and there are many different types. Some can be beneficial to the environment while others can be downright harmful, so it’s important to learn their distinctions 

Key Takeaways

• While there are many common types of ants in homes, pest control is often necessary to keep these creatures in check. 
• While some ants in Texas are invasive species to the United States, others are vital to the ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean you necessarily want them in your house. 
• Some ants, like carpenter ants, can cause extensive damage to your exterior walls and electrical equipment, while others inflict a painful sting. 

Types of Ants Found in Texas

Here are some ant species you are likely to see in large numbers (and large colonies) in Texas.

Acrobat Ants

Acrobat ants are one of the most common ant species in Texas. These ants get their name from their ability to raise their abdomens over their heads, a behavior that is used to ward off predators or potential threats. Acrobat ants are also known for their painful sting, which can cause a painful burning sensation. 

Carpenter Ants

Black carpenter ants are another common sight in Texas. These ants get their name from their ability to tunnel into wood, including tree stumps and home foundations, and they are often considered to be nuisance pests. However, carpenter ants can also cause serious structural damage to buildings if left unchecked.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh  ants are often considered to be nuisance pests. They can also pose a serious health threat as they are known carriers of disease.

Little Black Ants

Little black ants are particularly difficult to control, as they often build their nests indoors. 

Fire Ants

Fire ants, on the other hand, tend to build their nests outdoors, and their stings can be painful and even deadly to some people.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are a nuisance because they often build their nests in cracks in sidewalks and driveways. 

Argentine Ants 

One of the most common ants is the Argentine ant. These ants are small and black, and they typically nest in trees or in the soil. They are often attracted to homes because of the food that is available.

Ghost Ant

These ants are white or pale in color, and they are often found in kitchens or bathrooms. They get their name from their ability to blend into their surroundings.

Sugar Ant

Sugar ants are another type of ant that is commonly found in Texas. These ants are small and brown, and they feed on sugars and other sweet substances. 

Harvester Ant 

Harvester ants are red ants that typically live in rural areas. They build large nests and collect seeds to eat. 

Crazy Ants

One of the most well-known of the different species of ants is the crazy ant, which is known for its erratic movements. Crazy ants can be a nuisance in both homes and businesses, as they are attracted to sweets and grease. 

Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants get their name from the fact that they produce a musty smell when crushed. These small black ants are often found near sources of food and moisture, such as kitchen cabinets and bathroom sinks. 

Rover Ants

These dark brown or black ants are relatively small, and they get their name from their tendency to travel in large groups. 

Are Certain Ants Dangerous?

Although ants are not typically dangerous, they can become a nuisance if they invade your home. Ants are attracted to food and moisture, so they may enter your home in search of something to eat. 

Once they find a food source, they will tell the other ants in their colony where to find it. This can quickly escalate into a full-blown infestation. In addition, some types of ants can bite or sting, which can be painful and cause swelling. If you have an allergy to ant venom, a sting could even be life-threatening. 

Why Do I Have Ants in the Home?

There are a few reasons why this might be the case. First of all, ants are attracted to food. If you have any spills or crumbs on the floor, chances are that ants will find them and start to build their nest nearby. 

Another reason for an ant infestation might be moisture. Ants are attracted to damp areas, so if there is a leak in your home, you may find ants congregating there. 

Finally, some ants are attracted to light. If you have a lot of windows in your home, ants may be drawn inside by the sunlight. 

Whatever the reason, it is important to get rid of ants as soon as possible. They can contaminate food and spread disease, so it is best to call an exterminator at the first sign of an infestation.

Where Are Ants Found? 

They can be found in a variety of places, including under rocks, logs, and leaves; in cracks in walls and ceilings; and in potted plants. 

Because ants are attracted to food, they are often found in kitchens and pantries. In yards, ants can be a nuisance when they build their nests in lawns or gardens. Some species of ants can also cause damage to trees and shrubs. 

Ants in the House? Here are 5 Ways to Prevent Pest Infestation in Your Home

Pests are more than just a nuisance—they can cause serious damage to your home and even pose a threat to your health in rare cases. 

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent pests from taking up residence in your home.

Ultimately we had to bug bomb our house to get rid of the ants. We were sort of in a panic so we didn’t think to put our clothes in trash bags, or take out boxed food, etc.

We just took our one year old son to his grandparents house while the bug bomb went off. We had to scrub our house top to bottom, and rewash all of our clothes due to it. The ants did end up finally going away after the bomb was finished.

— Marissa Gray, Freelancer

Seal Doors and Windows

Sealing doors and windows with a screen or other material can help prevent pests from finding their way indoors. Sealing the perimeter on top, bottom and sides adds a barrier to block insects from entering your home. 

It’s also important to keep windows and doors closed, as even a small opening can be enough for a pest to get through. If using a screen, be on the lookout for holes or tears which can become an opening for unwanted intruders.

Dispose of Garbage Frequently

One of the most effective ways to deter pests is to keep your home clean. Vacuum regularly, sweep floors, and wash dishes promptly. Pests are attracted to food scraps and spills, so by keeping your home clean, you make it less inviting for them.

Garbage is an optimal source of food for unwanted pests, so be sure to take the garbage out often to prevent pests from breeding and expanding the indoor infestation. 

If you have a garbage bin indoors, use a tight lid to seal garbage inside until you have a chance to put it outside. Clean and sanitize your garbage bin frequently to deter pests from entering. 

Repair Cracks and Openings

One of the best ways to keep insects out of your home is to pay attention to cracks and openings.  Regularly check for damage in siding, brick, wood, or rocks. If you find any damage, make sure to repair or close the opening as soon as possible. 

For larger openings, it’s especially important to cover them up to prevent larger insects and rodents from finding their way inside. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your home free of unwanted visitors.

Maintain Your Yard

As any homeowner knows, yards require a lot of work to keep them looking nice. Mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and planting flowers are just a few of the tasks that need to be done on a regular basis. 

However, yard maintenance is not just about aesthetics. It can also have a significant impact on the health of your home. You can often discourage pests by making your yard less inviting to them. Keep lawns mowed and weeds pulled, and trim back branches that touch your house. Remove any potential nesting sites, such as brush piles or woodpiles, from your property. 

In addition, removing leaves and debris from your gutters and other places around your home can help to eliminate potential breeding grounds for bugs and other pests. 

Store Food Properly 

Food storage is important not just for keeping your kitchen tidy, but also for preventing pest infestations. Make sure to keep everything tightly sealed and properly contained. This will help to prevent pests like ants, mice, and cockroaches from getting into your food, and will also help to keep your food fresh for longer. 

In addition, keep surface areas clean and free of clutter. Counters and cutting boards should be sanitized regularly, and dishes should be washed promptly after use. By taking proper care of your food storage, you can help to keep your kitchen clean and safe.

Conclusion

If you live in Texas, it’s important to be aware of the different types of ants that are common in your area and what they can do to your home and property. While not all ants are harmful, some can cause significant damage if left untreated. 

Have you encountered any of these types of ants in your area?