Small honey ants, also known as Prenolepis imparis, are a native species to Florida and many other parts of North America, as well as Canada and Mexico. Sometimes called ‘winter ants’ or ‘false honey ants’, these pests are unusual because they are active during cooler months when many other species slow down. They have long been part of Florida’s natural ecosystem and are a persistent problem for homeowners in both rural and urban areas.
Characteristics
Small honey ants are a light-to-dark brown color; workers are generally two to three millimetres long and have slightly translucent bodies. Male, reproductive honey ants, are larger than the workers but smaller than the queen, which can be three times the size of a worker ant. One colony can have multiple queens.
The name ‘honey ant’ comes from the ants’ feeding habits, especially their love of honeydew, a sugary substance produced by aphids. Small honey ants have a distinctive, slow and deliberate walk when compared to other ant species. Even though their colonies are relatively small, often made up of only a few thousand individuals, they can still become a problem when foraging indoors regularly.
Identification
Unlike more aggressive ant species, they don’t swarm or form large trails, which means they can go unnoticed for longer periods. They’re easier to spot in cooler months since most ants are more active in warmer weather.
One thing that sets small honey ants apart from other species, is their behavior when disturbed. Instead of scattering quickly, they may slow down as a defensive mechanism or to conserve energy. They can forage alone or show up in pairs near pet bowls, baseboards, or pantry shelves as they search for food. Despite these distinctive tell-tale signs, small honey ants are still more visible during the spring mating season, when they gather in large swarms to reproduce.
Habitat
Small honey ants are unusual in their ability to stay active in cold weather and continue to forage as temperatures dip. They prefer to build their colonies in damp soil, often in shaded areas around yards or near building foundations. Unlike other ants, they rarely nest under rocks, and their nesting sites are relatively easy to spot due to the small, curve shaped mounds of loose soil that cover nest openings.
While they mostly stay outdoors, small honey ants will sometimes move inside to search for a reliable food source. Common structural nests can be found beneath slab foundations, inside cracks and gaps, or near plumbing or expansion joints. Once inside, they may stay close to kitchens and bathrooms where there is easy access to moisture and food.
Small Honey Ants in Florida
In Florida, small honey ants are part of the native ant population. Thanks to the region’s humidity and mild winters, this species remains active longer than others. Their tendency to invade homes during cooler months often catches homeowners off guard, as ant activity isn’t typically expected in winter.
They build small colonies and often travel from outdoor nests into homes to search for sweets, proteins, or greasy foods. While they don’t cause structural damage, their presence indoors can quickly become a nuisance. From crumbs in the kitchen to pet food or fruit left out, even small amounts of food can draw these ants inside.
Small Honey Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Small honey ants don’t bite or sting, but they can still cause trouble. They can contaminate surfaces and food as they forage, making them unwelcome guests in both home and commercial kitchens, where reputations can be quickly tarnished. They can also damage landscaping in gardens and yards as they feed on flower buds to extract the sweet sap.
Some flowers, including roses, are more prone to attracting ants due to their fragrance and potential for attracting other pests, such as aphids. While not a primary pest, small honey ants can damage roses and other plants by gnawing on flower buds to access the sap or juice. Indoors, they’re not picky about their meals, with meats, fruits, and sweets all on the menu. Some infestations have even been found inside potted plants.
Are Small Honey Ants Hard to Get Rid of?
These ants are known to move their colonies if conditions change, such as moisture levels, temperature, or food source availability, making it harder to pinpoint their location. Even after treatment, nearby ant nests and favorable conditions can lead to the ants’ return. A trained ant exterminator can identify contributing factors around your home and apply targeted pest control treatment to reduce the risk of reinfestation.
How Many Small Honey Ants Count As An Infestation?
A few small honey ants in one area may indicate a more serious problem, particularly since they often send out scouts to look for food sources. Therefore, even limited activity can indicate a nearby active colony.
If you notice ants in more than one part of your home at a time when most ants are inactive, it likely means there is an established or growing colony. The sooner you get help, the easier it will be to stop. If you suspect a small honey ant infestation, please consult a professional ant exterminator.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Small Honey Ants Nest?
Small honey ants typically build their colonies in damp soil, especially near shaded areas like under trees or around building foundations. They also nest beneath concrete slabs and may use cracks or joints to enter buildings. In some cases, entire colonies have been found in potted plants.
Are Small Honey Ants Dangerous?
These ants don’t bite or sting, and they aren’t known to transmit disease. However, they are considered a nuisance pest due to their habit of invading homes in search of food. They can contaminate surfaces and stored food as they forage, and they’ve been known to damage plants by feeding on buds.
How Large are Colonies of Small Honey Ants?
While not as large as some ant species, small honey ant colonies can still number in the thousands. A single colony may only have a few thousand ants, but even that can be enough to cause repeated indoor sightings if the nest is nearby or inside.
Do Small Honey Ants Cause Structural Damage?
Small honey ants don’t tend to chew through wood or damage structures directly. However, they can nest under foundations and enter buildings through cracks, which might make existing structural issues worse over time if the problem is not addressed.
When are Small Honey Ants Most Active?
Small honey ants are most active during cooler months, from late fall through early spring. They’re often one of the only ant species active in winter, which is why they’re sometimes called ‘winter ants’. Their activity tends to drop off as summer temperatures rise.