Some ants build nests in soil producing characteristic mounds while others nest in homes behind moldings, baseboards, countertops and similar places. Still others like carpenter ants nest in decaying or moisture damaged wood. Ants feed on a variety of foods including starches, meats, fats and sweets. That's why they hang out in the kitchen with us. Not all ants found outdoors become pests.
Ants are important in aerating the soil and even in seed dispersal of many wildflowers.
Ant colonies in lawn areas generally do not require control. A common ant is the odorous house ant. It gets its name from the unpleasant smell when it's crushed. Odorous house ants are brown to dark brown. They are particularly small with the workers about one tenth of an inch long.