Do Big-Headed Ants Bite? Here's What to Know

If you’ve noticed trails of reddish-brown ants in your yard or home, there’s a good chance they’re big headed ants. These invasive ants are common throughout Florida and are easily identified by the large heads of their major workers.

While they don’t pack the painful punch of fire ants, many homeowners wonder, “Do big headed ants bite?” Here’s what you need to know about their behavior, risks, and how to handle an infestation.

Key Takeaways

Big headed ants can bite, but their bites are harmless and do not cause structural damage.
They displace soil, disrupt ecosystems, and invade homes while major workers defend and minor workers forage.
These ants might bite when disturbed while tending aphids, scavenging dead insects, or searching for human food.
Professional pest control services use proven techniques like ant bait, sealing entry points, and nest removal.

Do Big Headed Ants Bite?

Big headed ants can bite, but their bites are harmless to humans. They do not sting or deliver venom like the red imported fire ants or other aggressive ant species, nor cause structural damage like subterranean termites.

The strong mandibles of major workers allow them to defend their colonies from other insects. On the other hand, minor workers handle most of the foraging and other tasks needed to expand their supercolonies.

Their nests can be destructive, as they displace soil and disrupt ecosystems by competing with native ants. They are also capable of invading structures, contributing to an ongoing ant problem for homeowners.

When Do Big Headed Ants Bite?

Since they are omnivores, these ants eat just about anything they can find. While their focus is usually on food, there are some situations where they might bite as a reaction to being disturbed.

Here’s what to watch out for:

Tending Aphids for Honeydew

These ants love honeydew, a sugary substance produced by aphids. If you accidentally disrupt their trails or the aphids they’re tending on plants, you might get a bite as they try to defend their food source.

Scavenging for Dead Insects

Big headed ants are natural clean-up crews, often feeding on dead insects. If their foraging path is disturbed—like when gardening or cleaning—they might nip as a way of protecting their find.

Exploring for Human Food

Inside your home, these ants will eagerly go after crumbs, sugary spills, or pet food. If you interact with them while they’re foraging, they could bite defensively.

How to Prevent and Control Big Headed Ant Infestations

Preventing a big headed ant infestation involves proactive measures:

Look for crevices around windows, doors, and pipes where ants can enter.
Seal potential access points to prevent indoor invasions.
Regularly check for nests in flowerbeds, under driveways, and near the home’s foundation.
Eliminate attractants such as crumbs, pet food, and dead insects.
Use specially formulated ant bait designed for the genus Pheidole spp. Worker ants will carry the bait back to the colony, targeting the queen and reducing ant populations.

Protect Your Home from Big Headed Ants Today

If you’re dealing with an infestation, it’s time to take action. Big headed ants may not cause structural damage like termites, but their large colonies can still disrupt your home and yard.

At Native Pest Management, we offer comprehensive pest control services to address even the most persistent infestations. Here’s how we can help:

Locate nesting sites, trails, and entry points to assess the scope of the infestation.
Use proven techniques, including the strategic placement of ant bait, to eliminate big headed ant colonies.
Maintain a pest-free home by sealing crevices and offering advice on keeping your property less appealing to ants.