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Little black ant on a white background

Little Black Ant

Actual Size: 1.5 to 2 mm

Characteristics: Small in size, with a sleek, shiny, dark-brown or black body and a slender, segmented appearance.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: The reproductive males and females have wings.

Habitat: Little black ants are commonly found in wooded areas near stumps, trees, and piles of lumber or bricks, and they often nest in wall voids and cabinets inside homes.

Habits:

  • Indoors, these ants nest in wall voids, cabinets, and behind foundations.
  • Known to eliminate small red imported fire ant colonies.
  • Most infestations originate from the outdoors, often traced to stumps, trees, or piles of lumber or bricks.

Little Black Ants in Virginia

The little black ant is a frequent pest in Virginia, often found invading structures. They are adaptable and typically nest outdoors, but will enter homes in search of food. These ants are omnivores and feed on a wide range of substances, from sweets to meats, grease, insects, and even bird droppings. Their ability to form large colonies and establish multiple entry points makes controlling an infestation challenging. Due to their persistence, little black ants can be tough to get rid of.

Little Black Ant Habitat

Little black ant colonies can be densely populated and often contain multiple queens. These infestations typically begin outdoors, originating from places like mulch, stumps, trees, logs, or piles of bricks and lumber. Indoors, they nest in wall voids, cabinets, and even behind foundations or brick veneers. When their numbers are high, little black ants can spread rapidly throughout the structure, invading every crack, crevice, and gap. Seeing these ants inside might indicate a larger infestation outside or within the home.

Little Black Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Although little black ants have a small stinger that doesn’t pose much of a threat, they can become a significant nuisance when invading homes in large numbers. These tiny pests are surprisingly aggressive and can even destroy entire red imported fire ant colonies. While they prefer nesting outdoors, their small size enables them to slip through window sills, under carpets, and into other tiny cracks within your home.

If you suspect an infestation, it’s best to contact an expert ant exterminator.

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