Identifying Ants in Phoenix Arizona

A Look at the Common Types of Ants in the Phoenix, AZ Area

Here’s a look at the common types of ants in the Phoenix, AZ area. There are as many as 300 ant species that call Phoenix, Arizona home. There are only a few ant species that we need to be concerned with. Sometimes they call your home their home! Be on the lookout for any and all ants that may be invading your space, as some can spread disease and even sting. Here’s a look at the most common ants in your neighborhood.

Fire Ants

Southern fire ants and desert fire ants are two of the most common ant types found in Arizona. Not only are these ants aggressive and hard to kill, they have a nasty sting that can leave painful, itchy blisters lasting for many weeks. They have a dull red body coloration ranging from reddish brown to reddish black.

Crazy Ants

Known for their quick movements and erratic movement patterns, crazy ants happen to be the smallest type of ant and they are inexplicably attracted to electronic devices that create an electric current, such as laptops. They are reddish brown in color and are about an eighth of an inch long.

Pavement Ants

Also known as sugar ants, these are usually found on hot, firm surfaces, such as patios, driveways, and foundations. They sting for self-defense, and range in size from 1/16 of an inch to 1/8 of an inch long. They’re usually a brown or black color with paler legs and antennae.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants tunnel through wood and use it to seal up their nests. If they get into your home, they can do untold amounts of damage to structural supports. They are black, dark brown, red and black, yellow or red in coloration. These ants release acid when they bite you, causing a burning and itching sensation.

Odorous Ants

These ants emit a foul scent when squished – a scent people equate to rotting coconut. They can easily enter tight spaces, preferring warm areas or places with food such as pantries. Featuring dark brown or black bodies, odorous house ants have an unevenly shaped thorax when viewing it from the side.