Pest guide
Ant identification for Atlanta homes and yards
Ant control depends on the species. Here are the ants Atlanta homeowners meet most often.
How to observe
Watch a trail for a few minutes. Note the size (are all the ants the same size?), color, trail speed, where the trail goes, and what the ants are eating. Photograph them on a white index card next to a coin for scale.
Common ants
| Ant | Look | Behavior | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentine ant | Light brown, ~3/16 in, uniform | Fast, steady trails; huge colonies; worse in drought (UGA) | Kitchens, bathrooms, mulch |
| Odorous house ant | Small, dark brown–black | Smells like rotten coconut when crushed | Kitchens, wall voids |
| Pavement ant | Small, dark, grooved head | Sand piles at slab cracks | Slabs, driveways |
| Carpenter ant | Large, black or black/red, variable sizes | Night foragers; frass | Damp wood — control |
| Fire ant | Reddish-brown, variable sizes | Fluffy mounds; aggressive stings | Sunny lawns — control |
Sources
Sources reviewed November 2026. Regulations change; confirm with the issuing agency.