HARVESTER ANTS EXPLAINED.

Harvester Ants swarming and mating in Tucson, Arizona!

There are more than 10,000 ant species that occur worldwide however only about 25 species commonly infest homes. Ants will eat practically any kind of food, but are especially attracted to sweets. Ants can live from several weeks to several years. Depending on the species, ants can range in size from 1/12 to 1 inch (2 to 25mm)

Ants are close relatives of bees and wasps and can by identified by their three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen. They can also be identified by their elbowed antennae, large heads, and powerful jaws.
There are also winged ants that are often mistaken for winged termites. Both winged ants and winged termites will leave their nests in droves in warm weather to mate and establish new colonies. Both species will lose their wings shortly after their flights. You can tell the difference between ants and termites because ants have a narrow "waist" between the abdomen and thorax, while a termite's body is not constricted and they have a broad waist.