Types of Ants in Tennessee: Identification Guide

Carpenter Ants

Jet black in color, carpenter ants are the largest ants in Tennessee, with individuals growing up to 2.5 centimeters in length. These destructive pests make their nests inside softened wood and can cause damage similar to termites, making them a serious concern for homeowners.

Fire Ants

Originally imported to the United States from South America, fire ants don’t look particularly unique compared to other common Tennessee ants. However, they’re known for their painful sting—like fire—and aggressive behavior when their colonies are disturbed. These ants pose both property and health concerns.

Odorous House Ants

These small, dark-colored ants frequently seek out sweets in your home, including fruit and sugary substances. Their distinctive characteristic is the rotten coconut-like smell they release when crushed, earning them their name.

Pavement Ants

Named for their preferred nesting locations—cracks between pavement or concrete—these small, dark ants have lighter colored legs and antennae. They’re opportunistic eaters with a varied diet, making them common around homes and businesses.

Pharaoh Ants

Unlike many other Tennessee ants, pharaoh ants are a distinctive pale yellow color. They’re particularly aggressive indoor invaders and can be difficult to eliminate due to their unique response to certain pesticides and other treatment methods.

Acrobat Ants

These smaller ants can be identified by their distinctive ability to raise their thorax and abdomen above their head when threatened—hence their name. While less invasive than some species, they can still become household nuisances.

Big-Headed Ants

As their name suggests, these invasive ants have disproportionately large heads compared to their bodies. They’re omnivorous, feeding on both other insects and food scraps, and are particularly common in warmer climates.

Crazy Ants

Known for their erratic, unpredictable foraging patterns, crazy ants can be particularly troublesome indoor invaders. They have a concerning habit of infiltrating electronics, which can lead to damage and malfunctions.

Field Ants

Sometimes confused with carpenter ants due to their large size, field ants build distinctive mounds in the ground for their colonies. They come in various colors, and finding them in your home often indicates a nearby outdoor nest.

Thief Ants

Also known as grease ants or sugar ants, these particularly small, tan-colored ants with darker brown heads often establish colonies near other ant colonies. True to their name, they’re known to steal food from other ants but will also invade human food sources.