Ants are small social insects, usually dark brown, black, or reddish-brown. Ant colonies may have 1,000 or more individual ants working together to provide for, care for, and protect each other. Most ant colonies comprise female workers, reproductive males, and one or several queens.
Over 12,000 species of ants exist, but most common home-invading ants display similar behaviors and habits.
In nature, ants benefit the environment by breaking down decaying matter and animal remains. However, they become a nuisance when they enter your homes. Common home-invading ants include sugar ants, pharaoh ants, raspberry crazy ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants.