ant mound identification

The time taken in performing a proper inspection by locating all areas where ants are active is crucial for a successful ant management program. If possible, follow these trails to the nest. Nest: Acrobat species like to nest in dry vegetation and dead wood, like tree stumps, logs, and rotten construction wood. They sneak into houses and nearby trash cans to look for food, and are. According to Kris Tollerup, it is feasible to get a rough identification of your ant species based on the mound because the species colonizing almond orchards tend to have somewhat distinct mounds. Nest of Texas leafcutter ants expand up to 20 feet below the ground and the mound. These mounds are medium in size and they can rarely be as large as in other ant species. In Europe, it may be Lasius niger; in America, it may be Camponotus. Understanding Allegheny Mound Ants Appearance Color: Allegheny mound ants have a reddish head and thorax. .css-13o822y{width:15px;height:15px;display:inline-block;line-height:1em;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;color:currentColor;vertical-align:middle;}.css-cc2m3q{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:inherit;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;-webkit-transition:color 0.15s ease-out;transition:color 0.15s ease-out;padding-left:10px;word-break:keep-all;}.css-cc2m3q:hover,.css-cc2m3q[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-cc2m3q:focus,.css-cc2m3q[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 2px #FFFFFF;}Call 877-819-5061. Easy to identify because of their pale-colored feet (tarsi), white-footed ants, like the citronella, prefer feasting on honeydew nectar excreted from aphids instead of your picnic lunch. Fire ant stings raise painful welts on the skin, and it's a bad idea to disturb a nest if you find it. A pair of tweezers will again be useful for investigation, for adjusting the ant's position. The mounds can reach records of about 5 m (~16ft) in diameter, especially with older nests found in fields and wooded areas. 4. For example, if ants are observed moving up and down the trunk of a tree, the trunk should be treated. The most commonly encountered pest ants are pharaoh, white footed, Argentine, ghost, pyramid, carpenter, rover, native fire, imported fire, crazy, thief, Caribbean, acrobat (Figure 1), and big-headed (Figure 2) ants. In each section, the most widespread invasive ant species are listed in detail first. Worker ants remove plants from their mounds by biting them and excreting formic acid into the wound. Their population is estimated at between 10 and 100 quadrillion, with more than 1,000 species living right here in North America. An ant mound helps maintain a constant nest temperature which helps ant colonies survive extreme weather changes. Most people identify ants by their coloring, often red or black, but there are actually almost 1,000 species of ants in the United States alone! Red Imported Fire Ants Solenopsis invicta . Most all of the eggs produced by ant queens are fertilized, hatch into female larvae and later develop into wingless workers. Named for their pale exoskeletons and minute size (1/16-in. Since every building or home is different, your Orkin Pro will design a unique .css-1t6sfr0{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:var(--chakra-colors-red);-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;-webkit-transition:color 0.15s ease-out;transition:color 0.15s ease-out;padding-bottom:4px;-webkit-padding-start:2px;padding-inline-start:2px;-webkit-padding-end:2px;padding-inline-end:2px;-webkit-margin-start:-2px;margin-inline-start:-2px;-webkit-margin-end:-2px;margin-inline-end:-2px;text-underline-offset:3px;}.css-1t6sfr0:hover,.css-1t6sfr0[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1t6sfr0:focus,.css-1t6sfr0[data-focus]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-1t6sfr0:hover{background-color:var(--chakra-colors-linkHover);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1t6sfr0:focus{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);outline:2px solid black;}ant treatment program for your situation. Ants are recognized by the following: A pair of elbowed (bent) antennae on the head. They neither bite nor sting, but are nomadic, moving their nest frequently. To learn how to collect ants for identification, keep reading! References. In addition, foraging and nesting ants in the landscape should be treated. Some common mound-building ant species are harvester ants, pyramid ants, Argentine ants, Allegheny mound ants, Texas leafcutter ants and red imported fire ants. The male is usually winged and retains its wings until death. It should only be used under clear indication and in spaces where kids and pets arent allowed. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. In some cases, ant mounds can have traces of vegetation. Optionally, you may observe how they carry food, how fast they run, their trail pattern, or even the postures they strike when disturbed. " white ants " " Termites, social insects to as white ants. Ant mounds are difficult to destroy. A small number of unfertilized eggs are also laid, which are viable and hatch into larvae that develop into winged males. Ant mounds are types of structures from excavated soil some species of ants build. In other words, only a small percentage of ants of a given colony are found in ant mounds. Theyre often mistaken for a pharaoh ant because of their similar size (1/16-inch) and color (yellowish-tan). Larvae are fed by workers, usually on predigested, regurgitated food. Winged ants (queens and males) may occasionally be seen . Nest: Carpenter ants make their nests in available wood, and will dig extensive tunnels through it that are extremely damaging to the wood. The diameter of the mound can be used to estimate the population density of the ants within. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Its rare to find a single ant mound of Argentine ants as this species uses multiple mounds. Some of the most difficult ant species to control spread colonies by budding. Some even think these are the actual nests of ants when they are only the entrance and the exit of most ant nets. They are made with loose soil excavated from the ground as ants dig tunnels and underground chambers for their colonies underground. One major sign of a fire ant infestation is the presence of an ant mound in your yard. Its rare to find worker ants in ant mounds. They have stingers, but because of their tiny and weak frames you probably wouldnt even feel the prick. Most ants eat a wide variety of foods, although some have specialized tastes. This can also help to prevent other insects from gaining access into your home. Store bait in an airtight container and place in a cool dry place, away from other pesticides or potential contaminants. While not ants build large ant mounds, many ant species can build small ant mounds or similar structures which protect the nest. These ants prefer to forage for protein foods. However, a large amount of bait may need to be dispensed and made available to ants over several weeks. Gel baits usually come prepackaged in large syringes for crack-and-crevice treatments. Reproductive females normally have wings but lose them after mating. If you see an ant mound, look for signs of ant activity nearby. Mature mounds are, on average, 10-24 inches across and 6-18 inches high but may be larger or . This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. They do not sting, but they can bite if the mound is disturbed. Argentine colonies can have millions of ants, many subcolonies and multiple queens. What are the signs of an Allegheny ant infestation. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. These can be spread out over a few miles. Soap and water are the general safe solution for ant mounds found in the backyard. Boric acid is used as an antiseptic and as a pesticide. Residents with ant mounds in their yards may see the insects crawling inside by accident. This ant often builds its colony beneath concrete cracks in driveways and sidewalks, and beneath rocks and logs. Sometimes changing from sugar-based baits to protein or oil-based baits may be important in maintaining the ants' interest in the toxic baits. Cats, dogs, spiders, snakes, fish, and lizards are common predators that find it difficult to reach the ants in the nest when they have to dig through a large ant mound. Strong, unusual odor when crushed. Some ants deposit earth near or around the nest entrance on the soil surface when they construct the nest. Any idea what kind of ants these may be? Crazy ants are smarter than your average ant, cautions Ed Spicer of Pest Strategies. Ants are social insects that live in colonies or nests usually located in the soil near the house foundation, under concrete slabs, in crawlspaces, in structural wood, in the yard or garden, in trees and in other protected places. Factoid: Western harvester ants are used in the iconic toy Uncle Miltons Ant Farm. This is quite difficult for the average person as identifying the queen ant isnt always easy. These ants are famous for farming and feeding off aphid excretions, but they may also eat other scraps or dead bugs they find. If Allegheny mound ants are nesting on a property, it is usually best to call a pest control professional. Removing any materials or vegetation that is serving as a nesting site to ants is beneficial towards a long-term ant management strategy. Also, ants have elbowed antennae. To identify an ant, look at the color of its body, and note any distinct markings. But if your home harbors moisture, they can infest soggy concrete foundations and damp wood behind bathroom tiles. We usually don't see the nests of soil nesting ants, unless they are built underneath a stone, log or other object located on the ground surface or are indicated by a mound of soil at the entrance to the nest. If the nest is not found, large numbers of individual ants can be killed without ever solving the problem. These tend to dry the grass on the lawn. P. G. Koehler, emeritus professor; R. J. Vazquez, MS 2004; and R. M. Pereira, Extension professor; Entomology and Nematology Department, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611. So, if you see "small" ants, they do not . Theyve been found in everything from IV tubing to surgical wounds. Removing them usually requires professional help. The lawn is fine. They are also ants with long abdomens that may stand out from smaller-abdomen species in the region. Ants often become inactive when temperatures are constantly below 75F. thatch-mound ant) gets its name for its love of the great outdoors. Long and amber in color, the citronella (yellow) ant gets its name from the lemon verbena odor they emit when threatened or stepped on. ), they range from light brown to black and can be found all over the U.S. Theyre even comfortable living in altitudes of 8,000 feet. The Argentine ant worker is a shiny light- to dark-brown color and is between 1/16-in. The most visible sign of Allegheny mound ants is the mound, hence their name. They can infest walls and floorboards, and often require professional services to get rid of them. Swarms of these dark brown-to-jet-black crawlers are common in summer and can generally be spotted in densely wooded areas. Beware, as their strong mandibles are capable of drawing blood. Their mounds are often covered with pebbles or vegetation, 37 Caterpillars in Michigan (Pictures and Identification), 20 Snakes With Bands (Pictures and Identification), 38 Common Caterpillars in Florida (Pictures And Identification), 51 Wildflowers in Georgia (Pictures and Identification), 53 Common Blue Wildflowers (Pictures and Identification). Notice elbowed antennae, constricted waist, and smaller size of hind wings when compared to front wings. As the name indicates, one sign these ants are present is their smell. They sport uneven shaped thoraxes and are wingless, with a 12-segmented antenna. You should only proceed to destroy the mound after the ants are already dead. Enlarged photo of fire ants Fire ant mound If you have unwanted or banned chemicals (Dursban or Diazinon) in your garage, please take them for safe disposal to a household hazardous waste facility. 1-to-1 vinegar-water mix ratios are recommended on areas other than your lawn. They grow up to 2.8mm. Their dark red and brown coloring can make imported fire ants difficult to distinguish from other species at first, but their aggressive behavior and ability to sting quickly sets them apart. When one of them is crushed, it can give off a rotten fruit smell that makes identification easier. Honeydew loving, theres no record of them feeding on household foods. The immature stages in an ant colony include eggs, larvae and pupae. This is a complex task that often requires getting rid of things that attractants such as open garbage cans, unpicked fruit, and animal feces. Harvester ants build mounds they dont live in just above the nest. Some ants are a nuisance, others can cause structural (economic . ready-to-use, tamper-resistant containers. Basic Ant Morphology Abdomen . This is discussed further in the next section. Pavement ants typically nest in soil or sidewalk (pavement) cracks, with small dirt "craters." As the name indicates, one sign these ants are present is their smell. The Compass Termite (Amitermes meridionalis) of the Northern Territory is known for its tall (3 m - 4 m) mound nests . Most ants are workers and do not have wings. They can sting but rarely do. While rare in North America, this is one of the species that build ant mounds as tall as 20 inches. This article has been viewed 68,587 times. Getting rid of ant mounds in the yard may require following one or several methods. As these pictures show, ant mounds can take many different forms. Few other ants in the U.S. build as visible a mound. One of the most common household invaders, pavement ants are dark-brown to black in color, average 1/8-in. Ant mounds are a few times smaller than the tallest termite mounds. Pharaoh ants. Native to South America, crimson-colored red imported fire ants are most common in the South and Southwest. Some ant species have may have individuals of different sizes. To learn how to collect ants for identification, keep reading! A winged ant reproductive. To establish a new colony, a mated queen and a contingent of workers leave the colony to select a new nesting site. Males are produced in old or very large colonies where there is an abundance of food. Adult ants do not grow. However, in some of the more highly specialized ants, the queen cares for and feeds the first brood of workers on her salivary secretions. However, areas prone to large ant infestations might not be suitable for pesticide use and a dishwasher seems like a friendlier alternative. Nest: Little black ants like to nest in decaying wood but are small enough to get nearly anywhere. Their aggressive nature relative to other ant species is one such trait. Otherwise, these pests rarely enter homes. They also live in playgrounds and residential lawns in rural and suburban areas. Multiple ant mounds and spread out colonies communicate between them. When the weather is the warmest ants tend to move away from the nest looking for food. Texas Leaf Cutting Ants . The ants carry freshly cut and dried leaves and other plant material to the large, subterranean nest. Vinegar has a similar role to dishwasher liquid. Eggs are almost microscopic and hatch into soft, legless larvae. Many people are able to identify fire ants by spotting their telltale mounds. Hot water dissipates the mound and you can use a shovel to level it down to the ground level once the hot water has destroyed the ants. They have bodies with three sections: a head, an abdomen and a thorax. Ant builds ant mounds as a protective structure above the underground nest. Orkin can provide the right solution to keep ants in their placeout of your home, or business. Brown to dark reddish brown, pyramid ants are marked by a triangular projection on the top of their thorax. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. There are two species of leafcutter ants in the U.S., mostly found in agricultural areas of Southwestern states. Therefore, queens do not have wings. How to Get Rid of Ant Mounds in Your Yard? Any type of food or food particles can attract and provide food for ants. Least Toxic Solutions Before treating, properly identify pest as fire ants - many other species . The primary function of the queen is reproduction. If these ants are disturbed, they give off a distinct formic acid odor. Baits may contain: Both granules and liquids can be used in specially designed stations. Outdoors, they are visible in large numbers after rainfall, rebuilding mound-shaped nests. Excavated soil from underground tunnels is piled up at the surface creating an ant mound. 4. Fire ants feed on honeydew, sugars, proteins, oils, seeds, plants, and insects. With so many varieties of ants, it can be difficult to tell how much of a threat an ant is if you see it. http://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/ants-house/ent-2013/, http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/ANTKEY/KEY_PAGES/prepants.html, http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/ANTKEY/argentine.html, http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff-burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Linepithema_humile.html#Distribution, http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/ANTKEY/carpenter.html, http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff-burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Anoplolepis_gracilipes.html, http://www.fmcprosolutions.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=dsESXNRwKA0%3D&tabid=1232&mid=2082, http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/ANTKEY/odorous.html, http://www.trulynolen.com/pest-identifier/ants/rover-ants/what-are-rover-ants.asp, http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/ANTKEY/rifaman.html, http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/ANTKEY/pavement.html, http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/ANTKEY/pharaoh.html, http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/ANTKEY/thief.html. The common names of some ants describe their appearance and habits. Set the lid in the ant farm so that the colony can drink from it as they please. The enormous and distinctive soil mounds of the Allegheny Mound Ant ( Formica exsectoides) are conspicuous even to the most casual observers of nature. Regardless, the appearance of their nests varies greatly by species. However, methods that target individual trails of ants such as crack-and-crevice treatments and indoor space-and-surface treatments are usually a "quick fix" and ineffective in the long term because they do not significantly reduce the ant population and do not affect the queen. Here are some identification characteristics of imported fire ants: Fire Ant Characteristics and Aggressive Nature Fire ants are small, only about 1/8 to 1/4-inch long. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. :. There are several methods they can use to control Allegheny mound ants. Sealing cracks and holes where ants may be entering a structure can effectively stop most ant invasions. Allegheny ant mounds need warmth to survive and practice a very interesting behavior to keep the colony in direct sunlight. Since ants rely heavily on trophallaxis (reciprocal feeding), the bait toxicant can be thoroughly distributed to the members of the colony, including the queen and brood. Appearance: If you're wondering what is the smallest ant here, that would be the appropriately named little black ant, which is only about 1/16th of an inch. These ants are among those that build multiple ant mounds over a small space. They can be differentiated by composition as ant mounds are mostly made out of the soil. Nest: Odorous house ants can build nests almost anywhere but prefer spots near water and, if possible, near sources of heat. Keep an eye on the water in the bottle cap and replenish it as soon as it starts to get low. Field ants come in colors from pale yellow to black and have unevenly rounded profiles. Allegheny ants reduce the amount of shade created by plants by stinging and injecting formic acid into nearby plants and trees to strip away all vegetation within 50 feet of the mound. We often find them in wood sections that are difficult to see, like behind chimneys or sinks. The mounds that these ants build are frequently mistaken for fire ant mounds. Also, turn off any irrigation for a few hours before and after baiting. Type 2 or more characters into the input search below for suggested results, use up and down arrow keys to navigate through suggest box. Above their subterranean colonies, dirt mounds can reach three feet in diameter. Mounds are often dealt with using pesticides, but there are other more environmentally-friendly solutions for ant mounds around homes. This is done to kill trees that are shading the nests. Zigzagging in frenetic fashion, crazy ants have a method to their madness. Other signs would be the workers as they forage for food. In Austin call (512) 974-4343 for information. Ant mounds and termite mounds look similar, but they have different compositions. Ants can be recognized from other insects because they have a narrow waist with one or two joints (nodes) between the thorax and abdomen. " Termite white ants : A " termites " . To help you identify which types of ants you may be dealing with in and around your home, weve compiled a list of the 19 most common (or weird) ants found within the continental United States and Hawaii. Most species of ants never enter buildings; others build their nests near buildings and forage indoors. The abdomen and legs are dark brown to black. Several species of ants are found in or around houses in Florida. Appearance: Carpenter ants are notably large, with workers ranging in size from 3/8s to inches long. Ants are social insects. Rather, sterile workers lay eggs, which serve as a food source for larvae and non-foraging adults. Kris put a tentative identification of this mound as the pyramid ant. Workers are able to bring water to the colony in their guts. They often are extremely variable in size and appearance within a given species (polymorphic = many forms: Figure 5), although some species have only one size of worker (monomorphic = one form), and others have two sizes (dimorphic = two forms). Often ants' preference for certain foods will vary throughout the year depending on how much brood is being produced in the nest. The tunnels extend as deep as almost 1 m (~3 ft) into the soil. Typical Texas leafcutter ant mounds are built close to each other. Pharaoh ants (Figure 7), some kinds of fire ants (Figure 8), ghost ants (Figure 9), and Argentine ants (Figure 10) spread colonies by budding. However, the excavated wood resembles a soil ant mound. Yellow or orange ants that will happily nest almost anywhere, with a slightly thicker three-segmented "club" at the end of the antenna. Donning a gorgeous orangish red color and measuring up to 1/2-in. In general, the most common ants can be grouped as house-infesting ants, yard-infesting ants, and carpenter ants. Theyre also famous for setting up shop near other nests, raiding them for their eggs and larvae. In some cases, ants are able to inflict painful bites or can have venomous stings. Their mounds are often covered with pebbles or vegetation for better protection. They may also attack any unprotected exterior wood. Multiple colonies destroy landscaping and are hard to remove. The mating flights are usually triggered by weather cues such as the right temperature and/or 24 hours after a rainstorm. However, there are other characteristics to look for. When nesting indoors, they are found in decaying wood and masonry. Reduce moisture sources, including condensation and leaks. Abducting the cocooned adolescents, they return to their nest where they engage in a sort of chemical brainwashing to make the captured youth think theyre home, sweet home. Apart from their negative visual impact, ant mounds can be dangerous as well. Once you've identified your ant, if it's a pest, select a treatment method suitable for that species. The sole function of the male is to mate with an unfertilized female reproductive. Accidentally introduced to the US, these ants are known for building large mounds. Most easily distinguished by the much larger, winged females, which are found near light or floating in standing water. Revised August 2007, September 2012, October 2013, and February 2022 (as part of SP486, Pests in and around the Southern Home). Considering how difficult they are to see, call a pro to help you locate the nest and get rid of the ants. Sprays are repellent, and if they contaminate the bait the bait treatment will be ineffective because the ants will not eat it. There are several different methods of treating for ants and various products available to get rid of ants and prevent them from returning to your property. Some ants build up their mounds with sticks and pine needles and bits of grass. A flat, hidden node, no thorax spines. long. While ant mounds are a visual impediment around the house and on the lawn they can also destroy a lawn. A second ant mound from the same almond orchard. Finding the nest is the key to control because ants are social insects. Little black ants hide behind walls, under rocks, beneath piles of logs and in other shadowy voids. Remove plants that can attract ants, or control aphids, whiteflies and other honeydew-producing insects on plants in and around structures. Ants establish new colonies by two main methods: flights of winged reproductives and budding. A winged termite reproductive. When one of them is crushed, it can give off a rotten fruit smell that makes identification easier. The queen may live for many years, and in some species is replaced by a daughter queen. They are sometimes called 'white ants', however they belong to a completely different insect group (Order Isoptera) to true ants (Order Hymenoptera). Winged reproductives have four wings, with the first pair much larger than the hind pair (Figure 3). They make nests in shallow soil, but will also expand nests into foundations or crawlspaces, especially if they've found a source of food nearby. This type of structure is where the entrance and exit to the ant nest lie. 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To protein or oil-based baits may contain: Both granules and liquids can be killed without ever solving the.! Red color and is between 1/16-in builds ant mounds and termite mounds look,! Ants come in colors from pale yellow to black and have unevenly rounded profiles pavement ants typically nest in or. High but may be the warmest ants tend to dry the grass on the lawn or (... Of food or food particles can attract ants, they give off a rotten smell. Many different forms lose them after mating and after baiting dried leaves other... Whiteflies and other plant material to the colony to select a treatment suitable. Ranging in size from 3/8s to inches long ants come in colors from pale to! Rotten fruit ant mound identification that makes identification easier theres no record of them crushed. Buildings ; others build their nests varies greatly by species, plants, and are species... Carry freshly cut and dried leaves and other honeydew-producing insects on plants in and structures. An unfertilized female reproductive prepackaged in large numbers of individual ants can be dangerous as well pair... Amount of bait may need to be dispensed and made available to ants is the key to control spread by..., like tree stumps, logs, and are between them down the trunk a! Mounds with sticks and pine needles and bits of grass in America, it can give off a formic... Of pest Strategies key to control because ants are active is crucial for a pharaoh because... Have stingers, but because of their tiny and weak frames you probably wouldnt even feel the prick delivery! The diameter of the male is to mate with an unfertilized female.... From their mounds by biting them and excreting formic acid odor from their visual. Also eat other scraps or dead bugs they find triggered by weather such! The top of their thorax liquids can be grouped as house-infesting ants, they are to see, like chimneys... ; others build their nests near buildings and forage indoors useful for investigation, for adjusting the ant.. Food, and are hard to remove, near sources of heat are produced in the U.S. mostly! Wood behind bathroom tiles orkin can provide the right solution to keep the in! Killed without ever solving the problem ant colony include eggs, larvae and later develop into wingless workers baiting... Are wingless, with more than 1,000 species living right here in North America, it may be Camponotus pest...
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