Are you interested in learning more about the types of ants in New Jersey? If so, this blog post is for you!
Here, we will discuss different types of ants in New Jersey that can be found and explain a bit about each one.
From the larger carpenter ant to the small Argentine ant, you’ll learn about the various ant species native to the Garden State.
So, let’s dive in and look at the different types of ants in New Jersey.
1. Carpenter Ant
Carpenter ants are first on our list of types of ants in New Jersey.
Carpenter ants are among the most common types of ants found in New Jersey.
These large ants are usually black or dark brown and have a single node between their thorax and abdomen.
They are often mistaken for termites as they can damage wood structures, but carpenter ants do not consume wood like termites.
Carpenter ants create galleries and tunnels within the wood they use to nest.
As these nests are often located in damp areas, homeowners should be aware of any water damage or standing water around their homes that could attract carpenter ants.
Carpenter ants feed on proteins such as insects, meat, pet food, and even honeydew from aphids.
To help prevent an infestation, keep food sealed in containers and keep all pet food away from entry points.
If you suspect an infestation, contact a professional pest control expert immediately to eliminate the problem.
2. Citronella Ant
Citronella ants are a type of Ant in New Jersey. These ants get their name from their lemon-scented smell when disturbed.
Citronella ants are dark brown to black in color and range in size from 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch in length.
They are attracted to moist areas, so they are often found in bathrooms and kitchens.
These ants in New Jersey feed on various sweet foods, including honeydew and plant sap. They also eat other insects and sometimes even pet food.
In addition, they will scavenge for food, so you should be careful to clean up any crumbs or bits of food around your home.
Citronella ants can be troublesome because they can invade homes in large numbers and establish nests within walls or other structures.
To control citronella ant infestations, remove all potential food sources and seal cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior.
If the infestation is severe, you may need to contact a professional pest control service for assistance.
3. Acrobat Ant
Acrobat ants are one of the more commonly found types of Ants in New Jersey.
These ants get their name from their unique behavior of raising their abdomens over their heads when disturbed, which gives them an acrobatic appearance. Acrobat ants are small and dark brown or black.
They prefer to nest in rotting wood or other moist and decaying organic matter, but they can also be found nesting indoors.
Acrobat ants feed primarily on sugary substances such as honeydew secreted by aphids, but they can also feed on other insect pests.
They do not usually sting or bite humans, but can become a nuisance if they infest homes or buildings.
To help prevent acrobat ants from entering your home, ensure there are no cracks or openings in the walls or foundation that they can use as entry points.
Additionally, it is important to keep your home clean and free of debris and standing water where the ants may find a source of food and moisture.
4. Odorous House Ant
Odorous house ants are one of the most commonly found types of ants in New Jersey.
They are small, measuring only about 1/8 of an inch long, and are typically dark brown or black.
Odorous house ants get their name from the fact that when they are crushed, they emit a strong, unpleasant odor reminiscent of rotten coconuts.
These ants are known to be particularly hardy and difficult to get rid of.
They tend to live indoors and outdoors, making their nests in various locations.
Outdoors often take up residence in cracks in walls, under stones, in mulch, and in other places where they can find protection from predators.
Indoors can often be found near water sources, such as sinks or dishwashers.
Odorous house ants are not known to cause damage to homes or buildings, but they can be annoying pests due to their large numbers and the fact that they like to explore the inside of homes in search of food and water.
If you spot any odorous house ants inside your home, you should contact a professional exterminator to get rid of them.
5. Pavement Ant
Pavement Ants are next on the list of types of ants in New Jersey. They are a type of ant commonly found in New Jersey.
They get their name because they often build their nests between paving stones or bricks in the crevices.
They are blackish-brown and measure between two and four millimeters in length.
Pavement ants prefer to feed on sugary foods but can also scavenge proteins, fats, and other sources of nutrition.
They are not known to cause structural damage, but can become a nuisance if their populations become too large.
6. Pharaoh Ant
Pharaoh ants, or Monomorium pharaonis, are a type of ant commonly found in New Jersey.
These tiny insects measure only 2 millimeters in length, making them one of the smallest ants around.
Despite their size, Pharaoh types of Ants in New Jersey are surprisingly resilient and have become invasive throughout the United States.
In New Jersey, Pharaoh ants can nest in warm and humid locations, such as inside walls and under floors.
They will also nest near food and water sources, including kitchens, bathrooms, and pantries.
Pharaoh ants prefer to feed on sweets and proteins, but will eat almost anything they can find.
These Ants in New Jersey are particularly difficult to eliminate because they reproduce quickly and form multiple colonies.
Pharaoh ants can split into several colonies when disturbed, making it nearly impossible to eradicate them all.
The best way to get rid of these pests is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place.
Be sure to keep food stored away in airtight containers, repair any cracks or crevices in your home’s foundation, and make sure to seal any open windows or doors.
If you do find a Pharaoh ant infestation, contact a professional exterminator for help.
7. Argentine Ant
Lastly, on the list, the Argentine ant is one of the most common types of Ants in New Jersey.
This small ant is found in many areas throughout the state, including woodlands, gardens, and even residential areas.
They are typically brown or black in color and measure between 2.2 and 2.8 millimeters in length.
Argentine ants have been known to build large colonies, making them a nuisance when they invade homes and buildings.
To prevent Argentine ants from entering your property, make sure to seal off any entry points and keep food sources stored in tightly sealed containers.