Which Ants Are Black?

Several types of ants can be found in the United States. There are close to 1,000 species of ants in the U.S. They come in a variety of colors including black, red, yellow, brown and coal black.

In general, ants are not stinging insects. They are primarily social insects. Their colonies live indoors or outdoors in decaying wood. They can also be found in kitchens and in the base of walls. They feed on honeydew and nectar. They also eat small insects, grease and fat.

Carpenter ants are large ants. They can be two to three times larger than black ants. Carpenter ants build nests in wood. They are commonly found in attics, basements and window sills. Carpenter ants are known for their ability to dig into soft wooden structures. They also like to eat foods in the home, such as spilled food or pet food left out in bowls.

If you have carpenter ants, call a pest control specialist to eliminate the problem. Carpenter ants do not have stingers and they are not harmful to humans. A pest control specialist can help you identify the specific type of ant in your home. You can also use insecticidal sprays to eliminate the ants.

During the larval stage, ants will shed their skin several times. When the larvae have grown enough, they will spin a protective cocoon. They will then burst through the cocoon to become adults. The pupae stage takes about six to ten weeks to complete.