Their nests are found almost everywhere. Several species of ants commonly inhabit home lawns, especially in areas having lighter soils. They may cause minor damage to the turf by loosening the soil. Most ants swarm during spring and late summer. Periodically the air can be full of dispersing larger queens and smaller king ants.
Ants have strong mandibles and can bite.
Some ants also can sting. Many ants are considered beneficial because they are scavengers and predators on certain harmful insects. Most ant species have only one queen per nest. Queens may live from 1 to 15 years and produce many thousands of eggs. The larvae molt between each stage.