With approximately 185 different types of ants recorded in Georgia, they are some of the most prolific insects in the state. The warm winters and humid summers create the perfect environment for ants to thrive. Of all the species that exist in the state, there are five that state residents will immediately recognize.
Keep reading to see which ants are most common in Georgia and what your options are if they decide to invade your home or business!
Key Takeaways
- Different ants need different treatments, so it’s important to know which kind you have.
- Ant activity increases in spring and summer, but some ants stay active all year indoors.
- DIY methods don’t always work, and professional pest control in Roswell, Georgia is often needed to eliminate the entire colony.
Top 5 Pest Ants in Georgia
The five types of ants that you are most likely to see in Georgia are:
- Carpenter Ants
- Fire Ants
- Argentine Ant
- Pharaoh Ant
- Odorous House Ant
Each of these ants is considered a pest for a different reason. Understanding the differences between these ants is important because the available treatment options change depending on the type of ant infestation you are dealing with.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the top 5 ants in Georgia compare.
| Ant Species | Size & Color | Behavior | Typical Nest Locations | Risks | |
| Carpenter Ant | Large (¼–½”), black or reddish | Excavate wood, nocturnal, trail builders | Moist wood, wall voids, tree stumps | Structural damage, costly repairs | |
| Fire Ant | Small (1/8”), reddish-brown | Aggressive, build mounds, sting in swarms | Lawns, driveways, open soil | Painful stings, allergic reactions | |
| Argentine Ant | Small (~1/8”), dark brown | Build supercolonies, follow sugar trails | Under mulch, baseboards, damp areas | Difficult to eliminate, trail rapidly | |
| Pharaoh Ant | Tiny (~1/16”), yellow or light brown | Nest indoors, split colonies (budding) | Wall voids, electronics, behind cabinets | Spread pathogens, hard to detect | |
| Odorous Ant | Small (~1/8”), brown or black | Give off a foul odor, invade kitchens | Inside walls, under sinks, in soil outdoors | Contamination, strong smell when crushed | |
Ant Profiles for Georgia’s Top 5 Species
Let’s take a closer look at each of Georgia’s most problematic ant species.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are the largest ant species on this list, making them pretty easy to identify. They can be either all black or red and black, and they typically live in wooded areas like rural homes and suburbs near forested regions.
This group of ants gets its name from its nesting behavior. While some species of carpenter ants create nests in wooden structures by digging tunnels into the wood around your home or business, not all species cause structural damage. Unlike termites, those that do excavate wood do not eat it. If you see sawdust piles near entry points, there is a good chance that a wood-damaging species of carpenter ant is burrowing through the framing or trim of your home or business.
Because some carpenter ant species can burrow deep inside wooden structures, professional pest control services are the best solution.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are a highly aggressive invasive ant species known for their red color and painful stings. These ants are venomous and will attack in large numbers if they feel their nest has been threatened.
One of the telltale signs of red ants is the large, dome-shaped mounds they build in lawns, fields, and playgrounds. Their tunnels go beneath the surface and colonies can grow to be very large.
Because fire ants are so aggressive and because they nest so deeply under the ground, DIY treatment methods often fail to yield good results. Professionals can apply various techniques to eliminate fire ant colonies, including baiting systems and mound drenches.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants are dark brown and they form very long trails. These ants are known for their ability to form supercolonies (colonies with multiple queens), and a single colony can last for several years.
This species of ant is attracted to sweets and moisture, and it is pretty common to see large colonies around the perimeter of houses and businesses. They are also found in crawlspaces and other places that hold moisture for extended periods.
Moisture control is one of the best ways to prevent Argentine ants from creating colonies near your home, but for colonies that are already established, sugar-based baiting systems are often the most effective way to get rid of them.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are unique in their appearance. They are very small, yellow ants that are commonly found in places like apartments, hospitals, and older buildings.
Their nesting habits are also different than many other species of ants. We find them in insulation, behind baseboards, and even in electronics. Another thing that pharaoh ants are known for is their ability to spread dangerous pathogens like salmonella. It is crucial, therefore, to sanitize food prep areas where these ants have been spotted.
Professionals use gel baits to get rid of these ants because other methods create a risk of colony spread.
Odorous Ants
Odorous ants are brown and black, and indoor infestations are very common with this species. While they aren’t dangerous, odorous ants create a strong odor (similar to a rotten coconut) when they are crushed or stepped on. This makes them especially undesirable pests.
These ants nest in many different places, and it is not uncommon to find them in wall voids, near water heaters, and even around the perimeter of the home in mulch beds and similar locations.
The most common treatment methods for odorous ants are baiting systems. Choosing the right one can be tricky, though, so it is best to leave it to the professionals.
Seasonal Effects of Ant Infestations in Georgia
Weather and seasonal changes can affect the types of infestations you are likely to deal with.
In the winter (December to February), most types of ants retreat into the safety of their nests. They also seek out nesting spots indoors. During the winter, pharaoh ants and Argentine ants become indoor-only problems. When winters are especially warm, you can expect ants to emerge from their nests earlier than usual.
In the spring (March to May), most ant species begin the nuptial flight process and ants begin to establish new colonies. Carpenter ants begin foraging and nesting in walls, fire ants emerge from hibernation, and odorous ants begin searching for moisture in places like kitchens and bathrooms.
In the summer (June to August), every ant species thrives. Ants multiply rapidly and the problems each type of ant causes are at their peak. Fire ants swarm aggressively, Argentine ant colonies spread very quickly, and indoor infestations become harder to control.
In the fall (September to November), colonies of all types begin to prep for winter and become less visible, especially as the weather becomes cooler. Not all species slow down, though. Ant colonies that are already established indoors remain active, but they can go deeper into your walls and any other structure that they have inhabited. Fire ants will also get busier rebuilding mound damage from summer storms.
DIY Prevention Tips for Georgia Homes and Businesses
While calling in a professional team to deal with an ant infestation is typically the best-case scenario, there are a few things you can do to minimize the negative impacts of ant infestations on your home or business.
One thing that you can do to discourage ants from crawling onto your home from nearby vegetation is to trim back trees and bushes so they don’t touch the outer walls of your home or business.
Storing pet food and sugary items in sealed containers is another way to reduce ant infestation risk. Ants need food sources to thrive, and reducing opportunities also reduces their numbers. Ants also need a continuous water source, so fixing faucets and other types of leaks discourages colony spread. In basements and crawlspaces, dehumidifiers can also be used to ensure a less hospitable environment for ants.
For more targeted solutions, check out our guide on How to Get Rid of Fire Ants Fast in Florida and Georgia.
FAQ
What attracts ants to a clean home?
Ants are attracted to food and water sources. So, no matter how clean your home is, they will still come if they find something to feed on. Whether that is crumbs under appliances, pet food areas with residue, or moisture from leaks, plants, or AC units. And sometimes it is simply because they are attracted to the warmth in the colder months.
How long does it take to get rid of an ant infestation?
The amount of time it takes to get rid of an ant infestation varies depending on infestation size, colony placement, and species type. Typically, though, you can expect complete colony elimination in 1-4 weeks.
Will ant treatments also get rid of other bugs?
Many treatments are broad-spectrum and will also kill pests like roaches and silverfish. Depending on your situation, pest control experts will recommend the best treatment type for the infestation you are dealing with.
Can ants damage electronics?
Yes, many types of ants can nest in and damage electronics. Pharaoh ants and crazy ants are especially problematic, as they nest in places like outlets, fuse boxes, and appliances.
Do ants come back after treatment?
Reinfestations can happen. When large colonies with multiple queens are not fully eliminated and entry points are left unsealed, ants have the opportunity to reestablish new colonies.
Final Thoughts
The best way to control ant infestations is to deal with the problem as soon as possible.
DIY methods are usually ineffective, so calling in a team of professionals is the best way to ensure that you get the results that you want, without worrying about wasting time and money. A reputable pest control company will follow an integrated ant management approach to ensure quick and total elimination of any type of ant infestation you are facing.
