Big Headed Ant Identification &Habitats

Big Headed Ant

Category: Ants

Actual Size: 1.5 to 4.5 mm

Characteristics: Range in color from dark brown through shades of red to light yellow. Workers have an unusually large, heart-shaped head.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: The reproductive males and females have wings.

Habitat: Builds nests near water sources. Outdoors, nests are located beneath boards, stones, or at the base of shrubs. Indoors, will build nests in wall voids and insulation.

Habits:

Constructs mud tubes, which can be mistaken for subterranean termites.
Workers use their large jaws to crack seeds and other food for the colony.
Colonies can reach a tremendous size, with extended nests and multiple queens.

Big Headed Ants in Central FL

Big headed ants get their name from their worker’s unusually large heart-shaped head. Considered one of the world’s worst invasive ant species, they are difficult to control as they reproduce year-round. Building large nests in the sand throughout a lawn or landscape, big headed ants remove soil, bringing it up through crevices in driveways, patios, and pavers on the exterior of homes. Most species build nests next to foundations where they construct mud tubes, which can be mistaken for subterranean termites. Colonies can reach a tremendous size, with huge extended nests and multiple queens.

Big Headed Ant Habitat

Most species of big headed ants are soil-nesting ants that live on a diet of small insects, and sweet honeydew found in the landscape. Nests are often constructed in the soil next to foundations. Big headed ants move quickly and build large colonies with distinct nests, frequently nesting in disturbed habitats like driveways and lawns. They will also nest in leaf litter, firewood, fences, and within walls. Infestations typically originate from outside or under a slab foundation. Potted plants are common nest sites that can result in colonies being transported indoors.

Big Headed Ant Behaviors, Threats or Dangers

Big headed ants do not generally bite unless disturbed and if they do, their bite is not painful. As nuisance pests, big headed ants are frustrating to homeowners as they create piles of dirt and sand and forage into bathrooms, kitchens, around doors, and windows, walkways, and driveways. Infestations can be found near structures, ornamental plant bases, and sidewalks. Residents of infested commercial buildings typically complain of finding hundreds of both live and dead ants. Elimination is difficult, as the entire supercolony needs to be treated for complete eradication. If you suspect a big headed ant issue, it is best to contact a professional ant exterminator.