What is a "black house ant"?

A black house ant is a common species of ant found in households and gardens. These ants are small in size, typically measuring around 2 to 3 millimeters in length. They have a dark brown or black coloration, hence their name. Black house ants are highly adaptable and have a wide range of food preferences, including sweets, proteins, and even scavenged items. They form large colonies with multiple queens and are known for their trail-forming behavior, creating well-defined paths between their nests and food sources. While they are generally considered a nuisance pest, black house ants play a role in ecosystem processes, such as decomposition and nutrient cycling.