| Scientific name | Monomorium minimum |
|---|---|
| Group | Ants |
| Size | 1.5–2 mm (up to about 0.08 in) |
| Colors | Black |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Kitchen and Lawn or grass |
| Most active | Spring and Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The little black ant is a tiny member of the ants group. Elbowed antennae and a pinched waist with one or two nodes. Check for these three features:
- Very small, glossy jet-black body
- Two nodes in the waist
- Slow-moving, narrow single-file trails
About this bug
A tiny, jet-black, shiny ant that nests in lawns, under rocks and in wall voids. Workers form narrow trails to sweets, grease and meats.
You'll usually find little black ants in the kitchen and in lawns and grass. They are most active in spring and summer.
Is it dangerous?
Little black ants have a sting too weak to feel; they are a nuisance only.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see little black ants
Little Black Ants are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: kitchen and lawn or grass.
About ants
The little black ant is one of the ants. Ants live in colonies ruled by one or more egg-laying queens. The workers you see are sterile females foraging for the rest of the colony, so killing visible ants rarely solves anything. Winged ants, called swarmers, appear when a mature colony sends out new kings and queens.
Bait works because workers carry it back and share it with the queen and larvae. Repellent sprays can scatter the colony and make the problem harder to fix.
What to do about it
- Locate outdoor nests near the foundation and treat them with bait
- Keep counters clean and food sealed
- Caulk cracks around windows and baseboards
Read the full guide: how to get rid of little black ants.
Bugs that look similar
Color: Little Black Ants are black; odorous house ants are black and brown.
Color: Little Black Ants are black; Pharaoh ants are yellow and tan.
Color: Little Black Ants are black; longhorn crazy ants are black and gray.
Frequently asked questions
What does a little black ant look like?
Very small, glossy jet-black body. Adults measure 1.5–2 mm (up to about 0.08 in).
Does the little black ant bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Little black ants have a sting too weak to feel; they are a nuisance only.
Where do little black ants live?
Little Black Ants live in the kitchen and in lawns and grass.
When are little black ants most active?
Mostly in spring and summer.