Imported Raspberry Ant
The Imported Raspberry crazy ant has only been known in the state of Texas since 2002. High numbers of this ant species have been found in several locations in southeast Houston (Harris County), including Houston, Friendswood, Pearland, Pasadena, Deer Park, Seabrook, La Porte and Baytown. They are continuing to spread further inland to other counties including Chambers and Liberty County.
Raspberry crazy ants do not have stingers. In place of a stinger, worker ants possess an acidopore on the end of the abdomen, which can excrete chemicals for defense or attack. They are capable of biting, and when bitten, they cause a relatively sharp pain that quickly fades. Wildlife such as nesting songbirds is irritated by the Raspberry crazy ants. Masses of crazy ants covering the ground and trees likely affect ground and tree-nesting birds and other small animals and cause wildlife to move out of the area. The ants are even displacing red imported fire ants in areas of heavy infestation. However, after experiencing the Raspberry crazy ant, most residents prefer the fire ant.
Fireants
Just about everyone in the Gulf Coast region of our state, including our neighbors further north, have at one time or another come in contact with the Red Imported Fire Ant which is not always a good thing. Fire ants are aggressive and with their powerful sting they have been known to kill pets, calves, and even people. Fire ant mounds are large and extremely hard. There are documented cases of farm implements being ruined by trying to plow under a mound. Use common sense and caution when dealing with fire ants of any sort.
Pharaoh Ants
This relatively small ant (1/16") is a major nuisance in both commercial and residential environments. Pharaoh ants have been known to infest hospitals, where they cause damage ranging from contamination of medical supplies to direct infection of patients through bites. Colonies of these ants are small, typically under 400 members, but they are not territorial and hundreds of colonies may be located within a single wall, each occupying an area the size of a thimble. It is estimated that 90% of the ants will not leave the colony, so controlling these pests through conventional means is difficult. Modern usage of baits and professional treatments are necessary to eliminate these problem infestations.
Carpenter Ants
The Carpenter Ant is one of the more destructive pests found in homes. Colonies that remain undetected and untreated can grow to as large as 8,000 workers and can cause severe structural damage. Contrary to popular belief, Carpenter Ants do not actually eat wood. They remove it, leaving smooth holes and halls through the wood. Small inexplicable piles of shavings similar to pencil shavings below windows or below openings in baseboards are one possible sign of an infestation. Locating and eliminating the actual colony is the only way to effectively treat this problem.
Crazy Ants
Crazy ants occur in large numbers in homes or outdoors. They often forage long distances away from their nests, so nests are often difficult to control. The name "crazy ant" arises from its characteristic erratic and rapid movement not following trails as often as other ants. The Crazy Ant is so morphologically distinctive that it is one of the few Paratrechina that is not consistently misidentified in collections.
Little Black Ants
This ant gets its name from its very small size and jet black coloration. Very little has been published on this ant. The colonies are moderate to large and contain many queens. Winged reproductive's appear from June to August. These ants' nests are located in woodwork, decaying wood, and masonry. They feed on grease, oil, meats, fruits, vegetable materials such as corn meal and sweets. Outside, they nest under stones/rocks, in rotting logs, lawns, or in open areas. The workers feed on other insects, honeydew, and plant secretions. They forage in trails which can commonly be seen on foundation walls and along sidewalks outside.
