Sugar ants are one of the most common household pests in the United States, especially during warmer months. Contrary to their name, “sugar ants” is a general term used to describe small ants that are drawn to sweets, including pavement ants, pharaoh ants, and odorous house ants.
Signs of Sugar Ants:
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Size & Color: Typically very small, ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 inch long, often light brown to black.
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Behavior: They travel in trails, usually leading to food sources in kitchens, pantries, and trash bins.
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Attraction: Sugar, honey, syrups, fruits, and even greasy foods.
Where They Hide:
Sugar ants build nests both indoors and outdoors. Inside, they may nest behind walls, under floors, or in kitchen cabinets. Outside, they often nest in soil, cracks in pavement, or under rocks.
Why It Matters:
While sugar ants don’t typically cause structural damage, their large colonies can become a nuisance and contaminate food sources.