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Ants – Identifying Common Species Local to Colorado


Over 700 types of ants call The United States home; they are considered the #1 nuisance pest in America. Nearly every household will at some point encounter an ant infestation. Ants pose various threats including food contamination and wood destruction depending on the species.

Ant Removal Colorado Springs Starts With Knowing The Ant Species

Homeowners should pay close attention to signs of infestation and contact a pest professional to take action against infestation if found. Identification is the first step for professionals in resolving an ant infestation. So, what type of ants live in Colorado? Below is a sampling of the different species of ants native to our state.

Types of Ants

Ants come in all shapes and sizes. Knowing the ant species is the first step in knowing how to deal with this natural intruder. Below are some common ants found in and around Colorado Springs.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter Ants are the largest species of ant in Colorado. Some colony members reach 5/8 of an inch in size. Typically red to black in color, carpenter ants can be found throughout The United States; however, they are more prominent in cool, damp climates. Carpenter ants build their nests outdoors in various wood sources and often enter buildings through damaged wood, utility penetrations, cracks, and gaps around doors and windows and by crawling on powerlines or tree limbs high above the ground. Carpenter ants have the ability to cause severe property damage as they tunnel through wood to build their nests. Indoor nests are satellite colonies to the main outdoor nest. The extent of damage depends on the number of nests and how long they have been active.

Type of Ants in Colorado

Caribbean crazy ants

Caribbean crazy ants common name comes from their workers’ habit of running in an erratic and jerky manner while searching for food, unlike most species that follow pheromone trails of their colony members.

Crazy ants are brown to black with a grey sheen and they range in size from 1/16-1/8 of an inch. They are found throughout The United States and are highly adaptable to dry and moist climates alike. Outdoor nests are very shallow and commonly found under objects in soil or next to foundations.

Their primary food source when outdoors is honeydew. These ants most commonly enter structures during times of rainfall or in the autumn when honeydew decreases.

Pavement Ants

Pavement Ants are found throughout The United States. Their name is a reflection of their nest-building in and under cracks in the pavement. These ants commonly enter homes through cracks in concrete foundations.

Although they themselves do not pose a public health risk, they are capable of contaminating food. Pavement ants are dark brown to black in color and approximately 1/8 inch in length. When magnified, they have visible grooves that run front to back on their heads.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous House Ants can be found in all regions of The United States. They commonly live several years, making their nests in exposed soils, wall cracks, and under floors inside homes. Dark brown to black in color, odorous house ants are 1/16-1/8 inch in size.

This species is capable of causing contamination of food. When crushed they give off a smell that resembles rotten coconut, which is where they get their name.

If you are dealing with an ant infestation in Colorado Springs or other pest control issues, call us and schedule a visit today!