Field Ant

Identification

Field ants come in different colors, ranging from pale yellow to black and are found in many parts of the world, including Madison Wisconsin. They are usually 1/8-3/8 inch in size, depending on the species and the caste. They have one node (a segment between the thorax and the abdomen) and no stinger. Their thorax is uneven, unlike other ants that have a smooth thorax. They also have hairs on their abdomen, which can help them identify their nestmates. Field ants are often confused with carpenter ants, which are similar in size and shape, but have a smooth thorax and can have a larger node.

Lifecycle

Field ants go through complete metamorphosis, which means they develop from eggs to larvae to pupae to adults. The eggs are laid by the queen, who is the only reproductive member of the colony. The queen can live for 10 years or more, and the colony can survive for as long as she does. The workers are sterile females who perform various tasks for the colony, such as foraging, defending, and maintaining the nest. The workers can live for up to a year. The males are winged and only emerge during the mating season, which is usually in late summer or early fall. They die shortly after mating with the queen.

How They Reproduce

The reproduction of field ants varies somewhat between species, but generally follows a similar pattern. The queen produces eggs that become workers or males, depending on the season and the needs of the colony. The workers are all female and do not reproduce. The males are winged and only appear once a year to mate with the queen. The queen stores the sperm from the males in a special organ called the spermatheca and uses it to fertilize her eggs throughout her life. Some species of field ants can also produce new queens through a process called budding, where a group of workers and a young queen leave the original colony and start a new one nearby.

Conditions Conducive to Survival

Field ants prefer to nest outdoors, in areas where they can find soft soil or dirt to dig their tunnels and chambers. They also use various materials such as grass, twigs, leaves, and pine needles to build mounds above their nests, which help them regulate the temperature and humidity inside. Some species of field ants can also nest in rotting wood or under rocks or logs.

Field ants rarely invade structures, but they may enter buildings when swarming (looking for mates) or searching for food, especially sweets. They can be attracted to spilled food or drinks, crumbs, fruits, honey, syrup, or other sugary substances. They can also feed on insects or meats.

How They Winter

Field ants are cold-blooded animals, which means their body temperature depends on the environment. When winter arrives, their body temperature drops drastically, and their movements become sluggish. To survive the cold weather, field ants seal up their nests and remain inactive deep down in the soil, underneath rocks, logs, or mulch. They rely on their stored food reserves and fat bodies to sustain them until spring.

Reducing the Conducive Conditions

To prevent field ants from invading your home or property, you can take some simple steps to reduce the conditions that attract them or allow them to thrive. Some of these steps are:

Fun Facts

Field ants are one of the most common and diverse types of ants in Madison, Wisconsin. They play an important role in the ecosystem, as they help decompose organic matter, aerate the soil, and control pest populations. However, they can also be a nuisance if they are not managed properly. If you have a problem with field ants or any other pests, contact Kwik Kill Pest Control at 608-228-8899.

Kwik Kill Services to Control Field Ants:

Additional Information:

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/files/2014/11/Field-Ants.pdf
https://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/ants/fieldant.shtml