The long-legged ant is easy to identify once you know what to look for: workers are medium-sized, around 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, with a dark brown to black body and noticeably long, slender legs that give them a taller stance than most other household ants. Their gait tends to be smooth and somewhat slow and deliberate compared to the frantic scattering of crazy ants, even though both share unusually long legs relative to body size.
In Southern California, long-legged ants are typically found nesting outdoors in soil, under stones, in leaf litter, mulch beds, and landscaping timbers, though they will readily move indoors in search of food or moisture, particularly during warmer months or after irrigation. Homeowners in Los Angeles and Orange County often notice them foraging along patios, foundation lines, and garden borders, and they can establish nests in potted plants or under decorative rock and paver areas where soil stays undisturbed for long periods.
Long-legged ants are considered a nuisance pest rather than a structural or health threat. They don’t sting and are not known for biting people, but like many backyard ants, they will forage indoors for sugary and greasy food residue, contaminating countertops and pantry items if left unchecked. Established outdoor colonies near a home’s foundation can also serve as a steady source of indoor activity that keeps recurring if the nesting site isn’t addressed.
If long-legged ants have made themselves at home on your Los Angeles or Orange County property, Guarantee Pest Control can help you get things back under control. Since 1958, our family-owned team has inspected homes throughout the region to locate outdoor nesting sites and recommend a treatment plan that addresses the source of the activity, not just what you see indoors. We offer eco-friendly Guarantee Green options, a 3-month guarantee on most services, free estimates, and no-penalty cancellation. Call 1-800-507-3787 or request your free estimate at /get-a-quote/.