Appearance:
Pyramid ants are pale orange to dark brown in color. They are slender with a pyramid-shaped projection on its thorax.

Size:
Range from 1/12-inch to 1/6-inch in length.

Behavior:
Pyramid ants move quickly and forage in strong, easily detected trails. They are similar to fire ants in that often nest in open, sunny areas, and are rarely found indoors. They can also be found around patios, porches and decks. They feed on other insects and honeydew, and are particularly fond of sweets.

Habitat:
Pyramid ant colonies tend to be small with a single queen. Workers construct the nest in open, sandy areas, where they deposit soil in a circular crater or mound around the entrance hole. Mounds are usually 2 to 4 inches in diameter are easily spotted around pavers and logs and are often found near the nests of other ants.

Unique Characteristics:
One of the primary benefits of the Pyramid ant is their role as natural predators of other undesirable ants, especially fire ants. It is common to actually see this species attacking individual foraging fire ants and newly-mated fire ant queens. Close observation of their nests will often reveal “bone piles”, containing the remains of fire ants and other ant species.

Control:
If workers of the Pyramid ant are identified inside a home or other building, steps should