ANT FIELD GUIDE — ID BASICS FOR PEST CONTROL SERVICE PROS

Most ant misidentification happens at the node level.

If you’re not looking for the petiole structure — you’re working blind.

This quick visual splits ants into two core categories:

From there, you can narrow based on size, color, behavior, and trailing.

Why it matters, for example:

Argentine ants (1-node) form massive colonies and need perimeter baiting, not spot sprays.
Pharaoh ants (2-node) will split the colony if treated incorrectly.
Ghost ants (2-node) nest in voids and require gel placements, not barrier treatments.

Each node type reacts differently to control methods. That’s why proper ID isn’t just academic — it’s operational.

Here’s how I teach it in the field:

When that sequence becomes habit, misapplication goes down. Results go up.

If you’re training new techs or want a better process for ID in the field, download the image or print it for your truck.

— Ian Terry, CPO. Solve Pest Pros, Orlando.

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