I am beyond grossed out. Our property was invaded by nasty red ants this season. These are not the tiny red ants we normally see here. These are big, fast red ants with a nasty bite. The little guys bite, too, but nothing like this!
They’re colonizing rapidly, too. Every time I roam the yard watering the flower beds, I see more droves of them marching to new areas. They come carrying eggs and pupae.
I took pictures of them today since it was the only way I could get a good look at them. Thus far, I’ve not had much success in identifying them; most online sources seem to offer black and white drawings. Please forgive the picture quality. Like I said, they’re really fast, plus and they bite…I didn’t want to stay in their path any longer than I had to!
Red Ant (Formica spp)
Workers 1 1/8 to 1 1/2″ Rusty rd to brownish black
Food: honeydew from aphids, nectar from flowers.
Nest are often constructed close to small trees and shrubs.
The Allegheny Mound Ant (F. exsectoides) same as above but occurs thoughout the eastern USA, Canada,west to Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas.
The last one seems to be what you might have, Deborah, as where the first one is more common in high elevations.
From the Audubon Society Field Guide to American Insects and Spiders.
Thanks, Maria! These don’t seem to make mounds, though perhaps they’ve just not had a chance to do them yet. As fast as they move, who knows. Seems they’re always on the move.
Red Ant (Formica spp)
Workers 1 1/8 to 1 1/2″ Rusty rd to brownish black
Food: honeydew from aphids, nectar from flowers.
Nest are often constructed close to small trees and shrubs.
The Allegheny Mound Ant (F. exsectoides) same as above but occurs thoughout the eastern USA, Canada,west to Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas.
The last one seems to be what you might have, Deborah, as where the first one is more common in high elevations.
From the Audubon Society Field Guide to American Insects and Spiders.
Hope I have been of some help
Hugs from Maria
Thanks, Maria! These don’t seem to make mounds, though perhaps they’ve just not had a chance to do them yet. As fast as they move, who knows. Seems they’re always on the move.
Those things are ugly! I would head out armed with a very large can of bug spray especially since they bite!!