Field Ants

Habits

Field ants leave behind telltale mounds in open areas like lawns or meadows where they have made their nests. These mounds are typically made up of plant materials, such as grass, twigs, leaves and pine needles. Field ants often nest around small trees, shrubs, rocks or fences. Other field ant species will build their nests in the cracks of sidewalks, along foundation walls, or at the base of trees.  

While they do not nest in homes, you may still find field ants in the house. They may enter households and structures when swarming or searching for food, particularly sweets. Field ants primarily feed on honeydew, a substance from plant-sucking insects such as aphids, mealy-bugs, and scale insects found on trees and shrubs. Some field ant species are scavengers and are attracted to meats. These ants can become a nuisance in late summer into fall when the winged ants swarm out of their colonies. 

There are a number of different ant species within the field ant genus, but generally they all have a queen who produces eggs for the colony, who then become workers. 

Threats

In general, field ants pose a greater threat to landscaping than human health. At their largest, field ant mounds can be up to two feet tall and up to three to four feet wide. Large nests can impact grass growth and landscaping. In order to remove a field ant mound, homeowners should work with a licensed pest control professional, as these ants will bite if disturbed. Some field ants spray formic acid into the wound when they bite, which can make them particularly painful. Although initially painful, these bites do not have any lasting effects.