The most common types of Ants in Utah

Carpenter Ants – These large ants are indigenous to many parts of the world and are generally about 1/4 to 1/2 in. in size but can grow as large as 1 in. They can be black or reddish brown in color and they prefer to build nests in dead, damp wood. Although carpenter ants can damage wood by chewing it, they do not actually eat it. Unlike termites, carpenter ants can leave a sawdust like material behind that can provide clues to a nesting location. The most likely species to be infesting a house in Utah is the Black carpenter ant.

Pavement Ants/Sugar Ants – The pavement ant is dark brown to blackish in color and about one-eighth of an inch long. Their name comes from the fact that they usually travel through the seams and cracks in pavement. Pavement ants will eat almost anything, including insects, seeds, honeydew, honey, bread, meats, nuts, ice cream and cheese. Pavement ants do not typically pose a public health risk, but can contaminate food and should be avoided. Note: The term “sugar ant” is often used interchangeably with “pavement ant” however, true sugar ants are large black and orange ants exclusive to Australia.

Little Black Ants – Members of this species are extremely small and shiny black in color. Workers are about 1/16th inch in length and the queens are about 1/8th inch in length. In doors, they are usually first seen in the Kitchen, Bathroom or Laundry Room but can spread to other areas very rapidly. Little black ants will form multiple colonies with multiple queens and eggs laid by a queen can take just 10 days to hatch. This can make little black ants more difficult to get rid of than other species.