Florida Carpenter Ant Facts

• Location: This species is largely found throughout Florida and ranges in distribution north to North Carolina and west to Mississippi
• Alternative names: Mound ants, wood ants and thatching ants
• Color: Red and black
• Size: Workers vary in size, ranging from ¼ to 3/8 inch in length and winged females are the largest reaching up to ¾ inch in length
• Appearance: Black abdomens with reddish-brown thoraxes and heads

Florida Carpenter Ant Behavior

Florida carpenter ants most commonly nest around man-made structures with preferences for humid environments. Most are considered pests of minor importance.

These bi-colored ants are among the largest ants found in Florida, making them apparent as they forage or fly indoors and out. The thorax and head are ash brown to rusty-orange and the abdomen is black. Their many coarse, long body hairs are brown to golden brown in color and shorter than those on the body.