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Ghost

Named for their pale exoskeletons and minute size (1/16-in. long), ghost ants thrive in the tropical climates of Florida and Hawaii. Nocturnal foragers of fungus, they’re also partial to insect honeydew. They have an uneven, rounded thorax and no stingers, so they don’t bite, but they’ve been known to nest inside homes.

To prevent ghost ants from trailing in along branches, keep shrubs trimmed back and store firewood at least 20 feet from the house.

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Argentine

The Argentine ant worker is a shiny light- to dark-brown color and is between 1/16-in. and 1/4-in. long. They sport uneven shaped thoraxes and are wingless, with a 12-segmented antenna. Argentine colonies can have millions of ants, many subcolonies and multiple queens.

Discourage ants from entering your home by practicing good sanitation (don’t leave out pet food). If they do get in the house, rely on bait to control infestations.

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Leafcutter

There are two species of leafcutter ants in the U.S., mostly found in agricultural areas of Southwestern states. They are light brown with exceptionally long legs. Their colonies are headed by one queen, but there can be millions of workers. Nocturnal, leafcutters harvest plant parts by using their jaws, which vibrate a thousand times per second.

Rarely do these ants enter homes, but they will wreak havoc in the garden. Beware, as their strong mandibles are capable of drawing blood.

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