About Field Ants

Field ants are mound-making insects. The mounds are from the soils excavated from the ground. As they nest underground, they dig and excavate soils that make the mounds. The insects make mounds with diameters up to 12 inches. Field ants make mounds in open spaces such as yards and fields. They also make mounds in wooded areas. They also nest in hidden areas such as underneath logs, porch slabs, and stones. Because they make mounds, field ants could be mistaken for fire ants.

They feed on insects, meat, and honeydew. Some species of the ant majorly feed on honeydew which is produced by other insects like mealybugs and aphids. To keep the supply of their food constant, the honeydew-eating field ants could maintain close relationships with insects such as aphids. They cater to the insects that, in turn, produce their food. Some species of field ants are also scavengers. Such insects feed on all kinds of available items including trash.

Field ants can live for an average of 10 years. The queen lays eggs that hatch into the workers. Like with other kinds of ants, the worker field ants are responsible for foraging and defending the colony. As opposed to other ants, some species of field ants have gynecoid workers. The gynecoid workers can lay eggs and substitute the queen when necessary. The ants have mating swarms that create new colonies.

A notable feature of field ants is that they do not infest indoor spaces. They mostly stick to outdoor spaces as indoor spaces offer minimal attractants. This is especially true for the species that keep the aphids that provide them with a constant supply of honeydew.

The species that may be found indoors are those that nest close to foundations. If they find entry points, they may enter homes. The swarmer’s are more likely to enter homes than the workers.