The most common ants found in Chinese households are the following: ① The pharaoh ant (_Monomorium pharaonis_) — the most common, about 2mm in length, yellowish-brown, often found in kitchens and bathrooms, prefers sweet and greasy foods, and is the most difficult household ant to control.
② The ghost ant (_Tapinoma melanocephalum_) — small, about 1.
5mm, with a black head and pale abdomen, releases a rotten coconut-like odor when crushed, especially common in southern regions.
③ The pavement ant (_Tetramorium caespitum_) — about 3mm long, dark brown, often nests under paving stones outdoors and occasionally enters indoors to forage.
④ Carpenter ants (_Camponotus_ spp.
) — large, 6–12mm, black or red-and-black, do not nest indoors but excavate nests in damp, decayed wood structures, causing damage.
⑤ The red imported fire ant (_Solenopsis invicta_) — an invasive species, highly aggressive, its sting causes intense pain and pustule formation, and it is now distributed in several southern provinces of China.
Different ant species have different dietary preferences, nesting habits, and control strategies; correct species identification is the first step in control.