Pest Identification: Allegheny Mound Ants
Got Allegany Mound Ants on your property?
Allegany mound ants, Formica exsectoides, build large conspicuous nests in open fields and in open areas in woodlots and forests. Their large mounds are constructed of soil brought up from excavated galleries below the nest. Large colonies may include over 250,000 workers and over a 1,000 egg laying queens. The mound acts as an incubator for mound ant larvae and pupae.
Causing damage to trees and plants
The ants kill nearby vegetation including small trees and shrubs to keep shade off of the mound. They do this by chewing a small hole in the bark and injecting formic acid into the wound.
Not surprisingly, they can be a real pest in nurseries and Christmas tree plantations. They will aggressively defend the mound by biting those who dare to disturbed it. This can make life very unpleasant for those who happen to share their yards with Allegany mound ants. Mature mounds may reach over 30 inches in height, six feet across, and the subterranean galleries may go to a depth of six feet beneath the ground.
Mound ants feed on most any type of small insect or arthropod they find as they forage or hunt over the ground. The ants also collect the honeydew secretions from sap-sucking insects such as aphids and leafhoppers. They rarely enter homes or buildings in search of food, which is a very good thing.
"Very efficient, used safety practices, kept me informed, exceptional professional."
-E. Kruczek
"We are very happy & satisfied with our technician."
-D. Auger
"We are very happy with your service. We will be ongoing customers."
-B & J. Douty
The best service starts here.
We’re the most trusted pest control and lawn care company in Central Massachusetts. But don’t take our word for it. Read real reviews from happy customers. Then call us and join our growing list of residents, families, and businesses who depend on Ford’s Hometown Services to protect what matters most.
Buzzwords
Mastering Carpenter Ant Pest Control: Tips from the Experts
There are ants — and then there are carpenter ants. If you see one, you’ll know. Not only are they among the largest ants in the U.S., they can be quite destructive. Keep reading to discover important information about carpenter ants, including how to spot them, how...
Understanding Tick Behavior: Strategies for Long-Term Pest Control
Do you hate ticks? You’re not alone. A recent study by the National Pest Management Association found that 1 in 3 Americans are concerned about being bitten by bloodsucking pests like mosquitoes, ticks, and bed bugs. And for good reason — tick-borne diseases are on...
The Silent Destroyers: A Comprehensive Guide to Termite Pest Control
Everyone has heard the saying that termites have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. It’s true. Termites date back more than 120 million years! To say they are hard to kill is an understatement. That’s why taking termite pest control seriously is critical for...