Little Black Ants

What do little black ants look like?

Little black ants, or Monomorium minimum, are about 1/16 inch long and black or dark brown. Since they are small and appear black, they adopted the common name: little black ants. Like all ants, they have six legs, two antennae, three body parts, and a pinched waist.

Do little black ants bite?

Yes. Little black ants have stingers and can cause ant “bites” on the skin. There is little to no pain associated with little black ant bites. They aren’t comparable to fire ant bites, which cause a severe burning sensation. Little black ant bites are minor, and the itch is mild.

Are little black ants harmful?

While little black ant bites are mild, they can impact humans in another way. They climb in trash receptacles and pick up tiny, invisible, disease-causing organisms. They can spread these to counters, cutting boards, dishes, cups, silverware, stored foods, and more.

What do little black ants eat?

These ants are scavengers and opportunists. They eat whatever they can find.

Outdoor foods:

• Honeydew
• Nectar
• Dead insects
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Birdseed
  

Indoor foods:

• Bread
• Crackers
• Crumbs
• Gease
• Oil
• Sugar
• Pet food
• Garbage
  

These lists are not comprehensive. They provide a general overview of what foods could attract these insects.

Where do little black ants nest?

These ants have a preference for building their nests in the soil. Often, they use above-ground protection, such as rocks or logs. In general, they do not create ant mounds—at least, not significant mounds. If you notice ant mounds, you likely have some other ant species on your property.

What attracts little black ants to my home?

These ants are drawn to yards that offer ideal conditions for survival. Here are a few specific examples of how they may encroach:

• They may find flowering weeds on the edge of a property and spread out to find food sources closer to structures.
• They may explore landscaping and find honeydew stuck to plant stems. Aphids and other plant-damaging insects produce honeydew. If you have an aphid problem, it can give rise to an ant problem.
• They may detect the scent of decaying organic matter on exterior trash receptacles and find their way into the trash.
• They may come into a yard and find dead insects to feed on if exterior lights have lured high and unsustainable insect populations.
  

Pest control, weed control, yard work, and trash management work together to deter little black ants and other pest ants.

How do little black ants get into homes?

They often enter homes near exterior trash receptacles or landscaping. They can find their way indoors as they search for exterior food sources and establish nests in the soil near structures. Here are a few common entry points:

• Gaps around exterior doors with poor weatherstripping, sweeps, or screens
• Gaps around exterior door or window frames that provide access to wall voids
• Gaps or holes in exterior building materials that are often the result of poor construction or repairs
• Gaps around wires, pipes, and other utilities
• Cracks in foundation slabs that provide routes into floor voids
  

How do I get rid of little black ants?

If you’d like a simple and effective solution for keeping ants and other pests out of your home, contact Termio Pest Control. Our local pest control company offers pest control services in the Phoenix area. Contact us to learn more. 

How can I prevent a little black ant infestation?

There are many ant prevention tips you can implement to keep these ants away:

• Reduce attractants in your yard
• Reduce hiding places and nesting sites near your exterior
• Seal your exterior to deter entry
• Keep the interior of your home as clean as possible to reduce food options that can inspire scout ants to recruit an army to enter your home
• Protect stored foods by keeping certain items in airtight containers
• Address moisture problems, such as leaking faucets and poor ventilation