Formica (FORM' ic a) ants produce a loose mound that might slightly resemble that of a fire ant mound, but these ants are quite large in comparison to small fire ants. These three species tend to build in the forest edge or at the interface between wooded and open areas which gives them a lot of interaction in the sprawling suburbs. Mounds and colonies can become huge over many years, if undisturbed.
Formica integra is sometimes loosely referred to as one of the "red
wood ants". Unfortunately, there is no common name for this ant.
Formica integra is a little smaller than a carpenter ant. It
is a red
two-tone color with the abdomenal area often much darker. Eyes are hairless. It feeds
heavily on arthropods and might be considered beneficial within the forest
when it suppresses other tree pests. It is known to feed on sawfly
larvae, Ips bark
beetles, termites, honey bees, and other arthropods. It
also tends aphids, psyllids and scale insects for carbohydrates in honeydew. It
occurs across most of the eastern US. Nests may have multiple queens and can produce
extremely large populations. Mounds are often reported against the base of a tree or stump with leaf litter and debris incorporated. The nest system can also branch
out and cover an acre or more. On occasion, it can become quite dominant in
the landscape and be considered a nuisance. It has been
observed moving in troops from one nest location, 30 yards away to a new location.
Formica
subsericea is a second
common Formica species. This ant is all
black and has also been observed feeding on
other insects. It likes the same open wooded areas and has loose
mounds. It is primarily active during the day and will forage far from its nest. Winged
alates are produced in the spring. These ants are also somewhat nomadic. They may also tend honeydew producing insects, even including treehoppers.
Formica
exectoides,
a third species, and commonly known as the Allegheny mound ant, occupies
most of the country east of the Mississipppi River valley. If undisturbed,
this ant may contruct large mounds and will kill any vegetation near the
mound by attacking the roots and using its formic acid. This
ant will also tend aphids and scale insects in nearby trees and shrubs for
their sugary honeydew. Color
is variable between reddish to black, or both. The head
and thorax tend to be reddish, while the legs and abdomen tend to be more
black.
Just because there are ants in the yard, does not mean they need to be eliminated. Ants serve a useful role in the ecosystem. Frequent disruption of a mound by digging or flooding with a garden hose may not kill the colony, but could cause the mound to relocate to a less objectionable location. If you decide that you need to control any of these ants, Sevin or Orthene are two possible choices that may be used for control directly on the mound. For Formica integra located next to a structure, a gel bait containing fipronil may be used. Bait stations should be used in places where pets may have access. If you wish to use a bait, it should be one listed for sweet-loving ants and tested for attractiveness. Fire ant baits will not be attractive to these ants. Aloft™ is a good general nuisance ant product for professionals. For additional chemical choices, see the NC Ag. Chemicals manual.
Useful links:
-Allegheny
Mound Ant in Rhode
Island and Kentucky
-Formica integra mound
construction and habitat
-AntWeb
Formica integra (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) 1. Habitat, Nest Construction, Polygyny, and Biometry
W. J. Kloft, R. C. Wilkinson, W. H. Whitcomb, E. S. Kloft. The Florida Entomologist. Vol. 56, No. 2 (Jun., 1973), pp. 67-76
Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance contact an agent of North Carolina Cooperative Extension in your county.
© 2007 NC Cooperative Extension
Prepared by: Stephen Bambara, Extension Specialist. Formica integra photo by AntWeb. Allegheny Mound Ant photo by Heidi Boyle. Formica subsericea photos by S. Bambara.
ENT/ort-142 June, 2007
Web page last reviewed January, 2011 by the webperson.
