Ants

 
Ants are very numerous and are one of the most successful insects. Ants are social insects and live in colonies which are located in: (1) Soil, referred to as "soil dwelling ants" (make mounds in the yard) and (2) Structures, referred to as "structure dwelling ants" (nest in structures, trees etc.). Ants will have either one or two pedicel nodes, which helps in identifying them (the pedicel is the "thin" segment which connects the abdomen to the thorax). The biology and habits of each ant species are different so the following is a general description of the ant species which can be pests in our area. Carpenter, Pavement and Pharaoh ants are common in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, so please also visit those pages for further info. If you need help identifying the ants that are pestering you, please email us with a description and/or photo.