Bigheaded Ants
What do Bigheaded Ants Look Like?
Bigheaded ants are very small, roughly 1/8”. They vary in color from shades of red, brown, or light yellow. There are 2 distinctive sizes (1/8” to 1/4”) which represent the minor and major workers. The minor workers’ body regions are proportionate in size whereas the major workers’ heart-shaped head is disproportionately larger than the rest of the body.
When are Bigheaded Ants Most Active?
Bigheaded ants are active 10 months out of the year. They can withstand some of the colder months here in Florida better than most other ants because they nest underground. During the months of January and February, they are less active because there is a limited food source. They tend to swarm during mating season in mid-summer.
What Attracts Bigheaded Ants?
Indoors, bigheaded ants will feed on fats, meats, and oily foods such as peanut butter and sweet foods. Like White Footed Ants, they also love honeydew.
Where are you likely to find Bigheaded Ants?
Bigheaded ants are typically pests that live on the lawn and on the plant beds of a garden. You won’t typically find them inside. Bigheaded ants may be seen trailing along the edges of foundations, driveways, sidewalks, and other structural guidelines. They may construct mud tubes on foundations and other structures protecting their trails and entry areas. The tubes may be mistaken for termite mud tubes but are more fragile. Indoors, these ants may be seen trailing along baseboards and under carpet edges. Often these trails are from outdoor nests.
Are Bigheaded Ants Dangerous or Destructive?
No, ghost ants are not dangerous or destructive ants. They are considered a nuisance pest, but they could pose a potential threat to human health by contaminating food.
