Yellow (Moisture) Ant

The yellow ant, also called the moisture ant, is named for it’s color or attraction to moist areas. These ants are under 1/8″ long, and smell of citronella when crushed. Preferring to nest in the ground or in rotten wood, they are more of a subterranean insect. This, along with the fact they are primarily nocturnal, means they can go undetected for quite awhile. This ant builds large, mounded nests outdoors or sometimes under houses. Inside, they can make home anywhere there is a water leak or rotten wood, but won’t disturb sound wood. The yellow ant also builds nests of dirt colored material, which can be found in areas such as wall voids. Typically they won’t feed on household foods, as they prefer to eat other insects and their secretions.