Florida’s warm, humid climate is ideal for beach days, but it also creates a paradise for ants. Homeowners across the Sunshine State face a wide variety of ant species year-round. Identifying the type of ant invading your space is the first step toward effective pest removal. Here are some of the most common ants found in Florida and how to handle them.

With over 200 known ant species in Florida, they can be grouped based on their behavior and preferred habitats. 

House-Infesting Ants

These are the ants you’re most likely to spot in your house. They love hanging out in kitchens, bathrooms, and even inside walls while looking for food and water. The most common types are: 

• Ghost Ants. These tiny offenders are difficult to spot because of their pale color. They have a dark head and almost translucent legs and abdomen, making them hard to track. They nest in small cracks and tight spaces and like sweet foods, sinks, and showers. 
• Pharaoh Ants. These yellowish-brown ants prefer nesting indoors, in spots such as floor voids, ceilings, and walls. They thrive in warm environments and can be found near sources of food and water, in kitchens and bathrooms. 
• Odorous House Ants. Small brown or black ants. They also nest inside in wall voids and like heat sources. These ants are attracted to moisture and food. They especially like sugary foods but will eat any accessible pantry items. 

Yard-Infesting Ants

Ant problems don’t stop at the front door—many species thrive in yards, gardens, and even driveways, making outdoor spaces just as vulnerable to pest infestation. 

• Pavement Ants. These ants range in color from light brown to dark, almost black. They nest in open soil, under stones, and in pavements, near driveways and entrances. 
• Fire Ants. These notorious biting ants are blackish to red and have a stinger in their abdomen. Fire ants are attracted to moisture and nest in well-watered spots. Fire ants are aggressive when disturbed, and their bites can cause severe allergic reactions. They’re also known to chew through wiring and nest in outdoor electrical equipment like AC units and well pumps, creating potential fire hazards.
• Bigheaded Ants. These ants range in color from dark brown to reddish tones and even light yellow. What stands out? Uncommonly big, heart-shaped heads you can’t miss. They are soil-nesting ants that build large colonies near foundations, driveways, and lawns, feeding on insects and sweet honeydew.
• Argentine Ants. These are light to very dark brown ants. They are very stubborn household and garden pests that prefer to nest in warm, sun-baked soil, cracks in concrete, or at the base of trees. They are attracted to moisture and can use drip irrigation lines as water sources. If the environment gets too dry or too wet, they don’t mind moving into your house. They also support large colonies with multiple queens, so if they do infest, you’re likely to find a lot of them in your home. 

Wood-Destroying Ants

Some ants don’t just invade—they cause damage. Carpenter ants tunnel through wood to build their nests, which can weaken structures over time if left untreated. They are large and red, black, or a mix of both. They prefer damp wood and often nest in hollow trees, logs, or even structural wood. People mistake them for termites, but these ants don’t eat wood. They tunnel through it. If you notice carpenter ants, you may want to check for underlying moisture problems.

How to Eliminate Ants Based on Type

Now that you know what kind of ants you’re dealing with, you can start getting rid of them. However, here’s the catch—different ants require different treatment strategies. Some may respond to store-bought baits or sprays, while others, like fire ants or Argentine ants, often need professional intervention. While you’re trying to handle the problem yourself, those ants are busy expanding their colonies. Don’t give them that time. A licensed pest control expert can quickly identify the ant species, locate the nest, and treat the problem before it spreads further.

If you’re looking for professional pest removal in Broward, Command Pest Control is here to help. Our trained, licensed team has been serving South Florida since 1995. We understand the specific pest challenges Broward County residents and businesses face. Call us at 954-943-0008 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.