The sampling efficiency of pitfall traps and Winkler samples in northeastern deciduous forests was compared using ants. Both techniques are among the most commonly used methods for measuring the diversity of organisms active within leaf-litter. During 2005 – 2006, 90 Winkler and 180 pitfall trap samples were collected from urban forest fragments in the greater Cleveland area. 9149 ants representing 31 species were captured. Winkler samples accumulated species more rapidly and at a higher rate than did pitfall traps. Winklers were more efficient and productive than pitfall sampling for epigaeic ants with greater total species richness and higher abundance of ants recorded. All species were present in the Winkler samples and the pitfall traps contributed no additional species. Consistent with other studies, Winkler sampling was found to catch a greater number of smaller ants, whereas pitfall trapping caught more large-bodied ants. According to estimates of expected species richness the combination of the two sampling techniques allowed for the collection of more than 90% of the ants in the surveyed area. Habitat variation among sites had little effect on the inherent differences in sampling efficacy and biases between the two methods. Either technique adequately collects samples for broad comparisons and documentation of the more typical and representative ant fauna, but Winkler samples might have an advantage if more complete inventory is sought. However, the low species overlap within each sampling site, suggests that if possible the application of both techniques should be considered for a more complete representation of the local ant abundance and richness.