Small Honey Ant

Small Honey Ants in Illinois and Indiana

The small honey ant is a native species in Illinois and Indiana, and is sometimes referred to as the “winter ant.” Unlike most home infesting ants, the small honey ant can withstand cold winter temperatures. Colonies are small, containing only a few thousand individuals. Ants make their way indoors from outside nests, however, they are also capable of nesting inside structures. Feeding on a variety of foods, small honey ants commonly invade homes as they forage for food.

Small Honey Ant Habitat

Known to withstand cold temperatures, small honey ants remain active at temperatures just above freezing. Nests are located in damp soil near shady places and they seldom nest under stones or other objects. When constructing nests, they place excavated soil in curve-shaped mounds on top of the ground. These ants usually forage for food outside, generally feeding on the honeydew produced by aphids. Workers commonly invade homes to forage for food, and occasionally to nest. They will also nest beneath slab foundations and enter buildings through expansion joints or cracks.

Small Honey Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Small honey ants do not bite or sting and are mostly seen as a nuisance pest. They commonly invade homes from outdoors but are capable of nesting indoors. Entire colonies have been detected in potted plants. They damage roses and other plants by gnawing on flower buds to obtain sap. Small honey ants tend aphids and scale insects for their honeydew, a favorite food. As household pests, small honey ants feed on all varieties of sweets, meats, and fruit. Much like other ant species, small honey ants will contaminate food in homes as they forage and can be difficult to control and eliminate. If you suspect a small honey ant infestation, please consult a professional ant exterminator..