Pyramid Ants
Dorymyrmex spp.
Pyramid ant (Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Navajonature.org)
Pyramid ants (Jerry A. Payne, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org)
Pyramid ant mound (John Pearson, Bugguide.net)
Identification
- small; 1/8 inch long
- workers of one size
- single node (bump between middle and rear body sections)
- color ranging from yellow, brown, to black
- have a pyramid-shaped projection on top of the thorax
Nesting Habits
- prefer open, sunny areas; soil nesting
- distinctive nest entrance consists of a hole surrounded by a mound of excavated soil
- nests not located indoors
- nests are typically small and shallow
Diet
- live and dead insects
- honeydew produced by aphids and other insects
- feed on a variety of foods, but prefer sweets
Significance
- occasionally invade buildings in search of food or moisture
- can bite
- can have unsightly mounds
IPM Recommendations
- If ants are found indoors, follow them back to the outside foundation wall to determine the entry point.
- Seal cracks and crevices to exclude foraging worker ants.
- Use sweet ant baits.
- If the nest can be located, directly drench with an appropriately labeled insecticide.