Moisture ants are a common name used for several small ant species, particularly ants in the genus Lasius, that are associated with moist soil, damp environments, rotting wood, and water-damaged areas. In Alberta, one species reported from water-damaged homes is Lasius pallitarsis. Because “moisture ant” is a group name rather than a single species, accurate…

Thief ants (Solenopsis molesta) are among the smallest ants that can be encountered around homes and other buildings in Canada. They are sometimes called grease ants because they have a strong preference for protein-rich and greasy foods. Their extremely small size allows them to enter tiny cracks, food containers, wall voids, cabinets, and other concealed…

Acrobat ants are small ants belonging to the genus Crematogaster. They are named for their unusual defensive behavior: when disturbed, workers may raise or curl their abdomen over their thorax, almost as if they are performing an acrobatic maneuver. Their distinctive body shape and behavior make them an interesting species to include in an Alberta…

Citronella ants are small to medium-sized yellowish ants that can be found in parts of Alberta and across much of North America. They are best known for the distinctive citronella-like or lemony odor they can release when disturbed or crushed. Although citronella ants may occasionally appear around homes, they are primarily outdoor, soil-nesting ants and…

What Are Odorous House Ants? The odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) is a small ant species found throughout much of North America, including areas of Alberta. It gets its unusual name from the distinctive odor produced when the ants are crushed or disturbed. The smell is often described as similar to rotten coconut or a…

Field ants in Calgary are common outdoor ants that can be found in lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, parks, fields and around residential and commercial properties. Although field ants usually live outdoors, large colonies near a building can become a nuisance when worker ants begin traveling across sidewalks, patios, foundations or entering structures while searching for…

Origin of Pharaoh Ants The Pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis) is a tiny ant species that has become widely distributed throughout the world. Despite its name, there is no reliable scientific evidence that Pharaoh ants originated in ancient Egypt. Their exact native origin is uncertain, although they are generally associated with tropical and subtropical regions. Their…