Black Garden Ant

Nesting in soil, under stones, or in pavement cracks; often found in suburban gardens and inside homes scavenging for food.

Omnivorous; feeds on insects, nectar, and the sugary secretions of aphids (honeydew). Attracted to sweet substances in human dwellings.

Highly social insects forming large colonies; they lay pheromone trails to guide nestmates to food sources and are active primarily from spring through autumn.

Generally harmless to humans but considered a nuisance pest in homes. Benefit ecosystems by performing soil aeration and predating on other small insect pests.