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Varieties of Ants in New Mexico

Hundreds of varieties of ants are in New Mexico. They are one of the most familiar and numerous pests found outside and inside the home. Identification and understanding is important when considering pest control methods and bait. It is also helpful to be familiar, since some ants are harmless and others can leave a burning bite. Among the most popular which make their homes New Mexico are two native species and two imported species.

  1. Southern Fire Ants

    • Southern Fire Ants range in size from 1/8-inch to ¼-inch long. They have a smooth black body and the head can be a rich amber color; they have large eyes. These ants feed on other insects and bugs, any sort of fruit or sweet-tasting food, and seeds. Southern Fire Ants create their nests in soft, moist soil. Their mounds are uneven craters with several openings. You can find them under large rocks and even in wood. If they infest your home, you will most likely find them in crawl spaces, in walls, and buried underneath the pads of your carpets. If threatened, this species will bite and their bite is a harmless but painful sting.

    Red Harvester Ant

    • Red Harvester Ants are about ¼- to ½-inch long and have a red body and a row of hair underneath a square head. There are over 22 types of this ant species, but the Red Harvester Ant is native to the Southwest. This species of ant forages for food; their primary sources are seeds and dead insects. They prefer living in open conditions and, most often, these areas lack vegetation. The Red Harvester Ant species are not likely to be found in anyone's home. This is a good thing since the bite of these ants is very painful and can be potentially dangerous because the sting affects the lymph nodes. If someone with a weak immune system, like a child or elderly person is bitten, he should seek medical attention.

    Argentine

    • The Argentine ant is an imported species, and is one of 17 species of ant that now invades homes in New Mexico. These ants range in size but can reach about 1/10-inch. It ranges in color from light to dark brown. This species is highly adaptable and can nest in several different places. They prefer moist soil for their nests, and you can find them under buildings and in the cracks of sidewalks. This type of ant prefers any sort of sweet food which makes them a threat to a home. They invade crawl spaces and walls. This species also has a painful, stinging bite.

    Red Imported Fire Ant

    • Red Imported Fire Ants are new pests to New Mexico. This species of ant is highly aggressive. They are small, with a red-brown color and dark abdomen. They can be found in lawns, along sidewalks, in planting areas, parking areas, and around the home. New Mexico has several varieties of ants, but none give a dangerous bite like the Red Imported Fire Ant. They are incredibly defensive and attack when threatened. If you accidentally bother their nesting area, you could potentially be attacked by hundreds or even thousands of ants. Their bite is painful and burning because they release a necrotizing alkaloid venom. This poses a huge threat to the elderly or children who might not be able to escape quickly.

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