About Little Black Ants

Little black ants build indoor nests in areas such as wall voids, decaying wood, woodwork, and masonry. Although they make indoor and outdoor nests, they are mostly found outdoors. They could be attracted indoors by features such as improper food storage. When outdoors, the preferred location of the nests of little black ants is within decaying wood.

When little black ants infest indoor environments, they move in established trails towards the attractant, which is mostly a food source. They establish highly visible trails along counters, pantries, and cabinets. The trails of little black ants are also scented.

As common household guests, they are mostly found in the southeastern US. They enter homes through cracks around doors and windows. They could also apply openings in walls to access structures. They may also enter buildings through cracks and crevices around foundations.

They have a diverse diet and are omnivorous insects. The diet of little black ants includes insects, cornmeal, honeydew, sweets, and plant secretions. They also feed on vegetables. Little black ants are highly adapted, both in terms of the habitats and sources of food. Although little black ants can feed on anything they find, they particularly love honeydew and could tend to a population of young aphids for a constant supply of honeydew.

Little black ants are found in industrial settings as well as urban settings. They also have a wide distribution. They are native of North America, with the geographic range extending through Mexico, southern Canada, and the US.

The ants have medium to large-sized colonies. The colonies could have two or more queens. They mate between June and August and swarm during summer. The adaptability of these ants helps them to establish large populations within short periods.