Army ants are present in parts of Florida, particularly in warm, humid, and heavily landscaped areas. Though not as common as fire or crazy ants, their nomadic behavior and massive swarms can pose real problems for homeowners when they appear.
Key Facts About Army Ants in Florida:
Do not build permanent nests, colonies travel and swarm in massive numbers
Often emerge after storms or flooding, seeking higher ground or shelter
Can invade homes, gardens, and shaded structures like decks or HVAC areas
Bites are painful but not venomous; pets may be at risk if colonies move in
If you’ve spotted aggressive trails of ants moving in unison or noticed sudden soil disturbances near your home, don’t wait. Hoffer Pest Solutions offers targeted, eco-conscious solutions that stop army ants before they spread.
Keep reading to learn how to identify, manage, and prevent army ant infestations, before they take over your yard or invade your home.
What Are Army Ants?
Army ants are a group of nomadic ant species known for their aggressive predatory behavior and complex colony structures. The most studied species in this group is Eciton burchellii, native to Central and South America but found in subtropical parts of Florida as well. Other notable species include Neivamyrmex, the largest genus of army ants in the Americas, and Cheliomyrmex.
Army ants range in color from pale gold to deep brown and exhibit a caste-based structure. Colonies are made up of queens (wingless and large), workers (sterile females), soldiers (larger with strong mandibles), and winged males. The caste system is designed for extreme efficiency, queens lay tens of thousands of eggs, soldiers defend the swarm, and workers forage and construct living structures using their bodies.
A common question people ask is, “Are army ants and fire ants the same thing in Florida?” The answer is no. Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) create permanent underground nests and sting with venom that causes burning pain. Army ants, by contrast, do not stay in one place and rely on swarm tactics rather than nest defense.
One fascinating feature of army ant biology is the winged males, sometimes nicknamed “sausage ants” because of their long, tubular shape. After mating, these males have their wings forcibly removed and are typically expelled from the colony.
Army Ant Behavior: Why They’re Called "Legionaries"
Army ants have earned their militaristic nickname for a reason, they operate like a highly coordinated infantry unit. These ants move in vast, organized swarms that can include hundreds of thousands to millions of individuals. Their synchronized raids are relentless, targeting everything from insects to small vertebrates. The foraging lines advance together, consuming nearly every living creature in their path.
Unlike most ants, army ants do not build permanent nests. Instead, they form bivouacs, temporary living nests created entirely from the bodies of worker ants linking together with their hooked limbs. These bivouacs are flexible and mobile, providing shelter for the queen and brood while the rest of the colony hunts or relocates. The bivouac can be suspended from tree roots, formed in soil, or attached under rocks and structures.
So, is this why they’re called Army ants? Absolutely. The name reflects their aggressive, highly organized behavior that mimics a military operation: the soldiers defend the perimeter, workers forage for prey, and the entire colony marches in unison when it’s time to relocate.
Army ants live in a cyclical rhythm of two distinct phases:
The foraging (Nomadic) phase involves daily movement and aggressive food collection to support the growing brood.
The reproductive (Stationary) phase allows the queen to lay tens of thousands of eggs while the colony remains temporarily settled in a bivouac.
You may have seen viral videos or sensationalized headlines referring to ants caught in a “death spiral.” While these are real occurrences, they’re rare and typically result when a foraging line is cut off from its pheromone trail. The ants, relying heavily on scent cues, end up following one another in a loop until they die of exhaustion. It’s a dramatic example of how their coordination, usually a strength, can become a fatal flaw when disrupted.
Are Army Ants Dangerous?
Army ants are not inherently aggressive toward humans, but they will fiercely defend their colony when provoked, especially during the stationary reproductive phase. Their stings can cause moderate pain, swelling, or itching. While not life-threatening, their bites can be unsettling and sometimes numerous if a person or pet disturbs their bivouac.
While army ants are unlikely to deliberately seek out pets, small animals, especially those left outside, could become targets if the colony detects them as prey or a threat. Birds, hamsters, or small reptiles are more at risk than larger animals like cats or dogs.
Unlike Tawny (or Rasberry) crazy ants, which are notorious for swarming electrical systems and causing malfunctions, army ants show no consistent behavior linked to electronics. However, reports of them nesting near HVAC systems or light fixtures suggest that warm, enclosed spaces may still attract them.
The risk of electrical damage is far lower with army ants, but if they are nesting near wiring, it's best to consult a pest control professional immediately.
Ultimately, while army ants pose minimal threat to humans directly, their sheer numbers, mobility, and adaptability can lead to surprising and sometimes dangerous encounters, especially if infestations go unchecked.
Where Are Army Ants Found in Florida?
Army ants have adapted well to Florida’s lush, subtropical environment. Their presence is particularly common in areas that offer warmth, cover, and a reliable food source. Homeowners are most likely to find them around home foundations, mulch beds, garden perimeters, and under outdoor structures like decks or sheds. Loose soil, overgrown vegetation, and shaded landscaping provide ideal launch points for their nomadic raids.
Unlike regions that experience cold winters, which suppress most insect activity, Florida’s pest season never really ends. Even during the cooler months, army ants remain active, migrating across landscapes in search of prey. This year-round persistence means infestations can surface at any time, especially after rain when the ants are pushed from their typical nesting grounds.
One of the most active periods for army ant infestations is following tropical storms or periods of heavy rain. Saturated ground and rising water levels force colonies to move quickly, often driving them closer to or inside human structures in search of dry shelter. Homeowners in flood-prone areas or near canals are particularly at risk during the rainy season.
Signs You Have an Army Ant Problem
The clearest sign of an army ant presence is the appearance of marching columns or large swarming trails. These ants move in highly organized lines that can span several meters, usually seen in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more favorable. The trails may seem to appear overnight, as the colony moves swiftly across landscapes to hunt.
Outdoor disturbances, such as shifting soil near walls, cracks, or uneven mulch, can indicate underground movement or bivouac relocation. Colonies may also build under air conditioning units, irrigation boxes, or other shaded, enclosed spots.
More disturbingly, there are growing reports of army ants being spotted in unusual indoor locations, such as light fixtures, electrical boxes, or even upper-floor ceilings. These cases often occur after weather events or structural flooding when ants seek higher ground.
So, what do you do if army ants enter your walls? First, avoid disturbing them. Agitating the colony could trigger defensive stinging or a rapid migration deeper into the home. Instead, contact a licensed pest control professional with experience in ant exclusion and treatment. A thorough inspection can identify entry points, assess colony location, and determine the most effective eradication strategy, whether through baiting, sealing, or residual insecticide application. Prompt action is crucial, as colonies can grow and relocate rapidly if not addressed.
How to Get Rid of Army Ants in Florida
DIY Solutions for homeowners who prefer to start with at-home methods, there are several natural repellents and DIY baiting techniques that can offer temporary relief or prevention.
Common natural deterrents include:
White vinegar: disrupts scent trails
Ground cinnamon: acts as a barrier near entry points
Coffee grounds: reported by some homeowners to repel ants from certain zones
Another homemade solution involves creating a bait mixture using mint jelly and boric acid. The sweetness of the jelly attracts the ants, while the boric acid acts as a slow-acting poison carried back to the colony. However, this approach comes with a caveat: Are DIY baits safe around pets? Not always. Boric acid can be toxic if ingested in large amounts, particularly for small pets. If you have animals or young children, be sure to place baits in secured or elevated locations, or opt for pet-safe alternatives like food-grade diatomaceous earth.
Store-Bought Products
Commercial options provide more potent and targeted control. Granular baits, such as Gourmet Liquid Ant Bait, are effective because army ants transport food back to the colony, distributing the toxin. Dust insecticides, like those containing silica gel, can penetrate deep into hidden nesting sites, especially when applied at entry points or suspected bivouac zones.
However, one important note: partial treatments can backfire. If only part of the colony is exposed to toxins, the ants may simply migrate elsewhere on your property, resulting in reinfestation. Proper coverage and colony saturation are crucial to long-term success.
Professional Treatment
For more severe infestations or recurring issues, working with a pest control professional is the most reliable solution. Licensed specialists typically apply a combination of fipronil, bifenthrin, or permethrin to eliminate colonies and prevent future spread. These active ingredients are highly effective but require careful handling and strategic application to avoid environmental or pet exposure.
Follow-up treatments are important, as army ants are highly mobile. Without additional applications, satellite colonies or surviving members may reestablish a nest just feet away from the treated area.
Eco-Friendly Control Options
Many Florida residents are now opting for green pest control, especially those with children, pets, or environmentally sensitive properties.
Products like Kleen Kill, which contain essential oils and natural ingredients, are designed to kill on contact while being safe for indoor use. Exclusion techniques, such as:
Sealing cracks and gaps
Redirecting sprinklers away from foundations
Trimming foliage and removing ground clutter
can also help prevent colony intrusion without the use of toxins.
Eco-conscious customers are advised to seek companies that carry “Green Shield Certified” credentials, signifying a commitment to sustainable, non-invasive practices.
According to pest control professionals serving South Florida, demand for eco-friendly services has increased sharply, particularly in areas like Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade. Hoffer Pest Solutions has adapted to this need by offering green-based treatments tailored for Florida’s persistent pest climate. Whether you need a one-time treatment or year-round protection, they provide plans that balance effectiveness with environmental care.
Prevention Tips to Keep Army Ants Out
Preventing army ants from invading your property is a multi-step process that combines cleanliness, exclusion, and landscape maintenance. While these ants are nomadic and do not establish permanent nests, the presence of food, moisture, or ideal shelter can draw them toward residential areas, especially after storms.
Start with indoor hygiene:
Store sugary foods in sealed containers
Wipe down kitchen counters to remove crumbs and grease
Take out trash regularly and avoid leaving pet food bowls out overnight
From there, reinforce your home’s physical defenses using barrier methods:
Caulk cracks in foundations and exterior walls
Seal gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines
Install door sweeps and mesh over ventilation openings
Outside, focus on yard maintenance to reduce nesting opportunities:
Remove organic debris such as fallen branches, firewood stacks, and unused planters
Trim back shrubs and ground cover that touch the home's perimeter
Limit the use of thick mulch, which creates hidden, humid shelters perfect for ants on the move
Army Ants vs. Other Florida Ants
Army ants are often mistaken for other more familiar species, which can result in the wrong treatment method being applied. Here’s how they differ from some of Florida’s other problematic ants:
Fire ants: Recognized by their reddish color and mound nests, these ants sting with venom that causes intense burning. They’re territorial and will defend their nests aggressively, but they remain relatively stationary compared to army ants.
Crazy ants: Named for their erratic, fast movement, crazy ants often infest electrical equipment, including outlets, HVAC systems, and breaker boxes. While army ants have been found near electronics for warmth, they do not exhibit the same behavior or pose the same level of electrical risk.
Little fire ants: These tiny pests deliver painful stings and are especially problematic in nurseries and agricultural areas. Unlike army ants, they form permanent colonies and don’t engage in wide-scale swarming raids.
Carpenter ants: Larger in size and known for hollowing out wood, carpenter ants damage structures by creating nesting galleries. They don’t bite or sting unless provoked, and their behavior is far less aggressive than that of army ants.
When to Call a Pro
Army ants don’t wait, and neither should you. Their rapid movement, massive swarms, and unpredictable nesting behavior make them one of the toughest pests to manage on your own. DIY treatments often fall short, pushing colonies into new areas or deeper into your home. If you're seeing coordinated trails, disturbed soil, or ants appearing near walls, electrical units, or pet areas, it’s time to take action.
Hoffer Pest Solutions offers the expert help Florida homeowners need. Our team knows how to stop army ants at the source with safe, targeted treatments and eco-conscious prevention strategies. Whether you need urgent relief or long-term protection, we’ll deliver results that keep your home and family secure.
📲Contact us today to schedule your inspection and stop the swarm before it spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do army ants live indoors?
Army ants prefer outdoor environments but may enter homes, especially during storms, flooding, or when following prey. They typically retreat once conditions stabilize but can become a recurring problem if not addressed.
How often do army ants move their nests?
Army ants are constantly on the move, relocating their living nest, or bivouac, as often as every 24 to 36 hours during the foraging phase. They remain stationary only during reproduction.
Can army ants bite humans?
Yes. While not venomous to humans, their bites can be painful, especially if you disturb their bivouac. Bites may result in localized swelling, itching, or mild allergic reactions.
What attracts army ants to a home?
Factors include accessible food sources (especially proteins and sugars), moisture or water damage, and sheltered, shaded nesting sites like mulch beds, wall voids, and dense vegetation. Heavy rains may also drive them indoors.