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Thatching Ant

Thatching ants are native to North America. They are primarily a soil nesting species creating nests from pine or fir needles, small sticks, grass stems and/or leaves. They can also be found nesting in decayed logs or under porches or other debris. Nests are often easily identified as a noticeable large mound of soil (8-10 inches in diameter) in lawns or open areas.

Most species of thatching ants are black bodied with red heads. The size can range from 3/16 to 5/16 inches (4-8 mm) long. Their diet consists of other insects and honeydew (aphid excrement), but they are also attracted to sugar or protein sources.

Often mistaken for Carpenter ants, the thatching ant can be identified by a distinct dip in the top of the thorax and a single node on the back just behind the thorax.

Addressing the issues that attracted the thatching ant to the property is the first step towards control. Removing food sources, eliminating insects that provide protein or honeydew, cleanup of unnecessary debris or objects on the soil that provide harborage will help in eliminating nesting. Several "do-it-yourself" methods including ant baits are available at your local hardware store. If these remedies are unsuccessful in controlling the thatching ant, a call to Long Pest Control can develop an Integrated Pest Control program to eliminate the sightings and provide and environment free of unwanted ground crawling insects year round.