Big Headed Ants are an invasive species that are common in subtropical climates like South Florida. They can be difficult to control due to single colonies having multiples queens. Multiple colonies can completely take over a landscape, across multiple property lines.
These soil nesting ants have a diet of smaller insects and sweet honeydew found in the landscape. Their name comes from that they’re dimorphic, meaning they have both major and minor workers that are two different sizes. The major worker is equipped with a very large head, much larger than its body hence, the name “Big Headed Ant”.
These ants are known for making large nests in the sand throughout the landscape, and excavating soil and bringing it up through cracks in driveways, patios and pavers on the exterior of the homes. In severe cases colonies can nest under concrete slabs and invade your home, similar to termites. They burrow into the soil to create their nests, but usually make their way into your home when they’re on the hunt for food. Normally where there is a nest, there is often several. They’re rarely an isolated occurrence, due to the widespread nature of their home making.
Known for building super colonies, a series of smaller colonies that are connected for them to move freely, carrying food to other colony members. Like termites, big headed ants leave a trail behind them when they’re on the move. Although not directly compromising the structural integrity of the home they can still become an inconvenience and take over a complete landscape. In severe cases, they can even forage up walls and invade attics.
Nests can be found in lawns, under concrete slabs, flower beds, etc. Because of this they’re sometimes misidentified for the Red Imported Fire Ant. However, the nests or dirt piles are commonly found between sidewalks and pavers. If a nest is near by you may have workers or crawling ants foraging into your home through cracks and crevices to feed on food remnants. So, kitchens are prime spots for these reddish-brown ants to appear. They can sometimes nest in an interior wall void. In that case you may find hundreds of the swarmer’s flying inside.
If you’re having trouble with Big Headed Ants in your home its always best to consult a professional due to the difficulty in eradicating its every growing colony.
