Everyone has come into contact with at least one species of ants, in Texas there are 8 common species found in the area alone. But with over 12,000 species, chances are you have met quite a few different ones. One of the common ants found throughout Texas us the Crazy Ant and today, we at A-Tex Pest Management would like expound on them.
What Makes Crazy Ants Different?
Crazy ants are referenced as many different names that include tawny crazy ant, raspberry ant, and hair crazy ant. No matter what you call them, this particular species is wildly invasive and with dense population, their infestation is of epic proportions. Their frantic and erratic movement is how crazy ants earned their name; however, their bizarre attraction to electrical equipment is what has people scratching their heads. An estimated $146 million in electrical damages a year is due to crazy ants. Releasing a pheromone scents upon electrocution will signal other crazy ants to rush onto to the battlefield, leading to a domino effect where more ants get electrocuted, releasing excessive pheromones in the air, attracting another wave of crazy ants to come to the scene. When the dead ants pile up, it will cause the entire electrical system to short out.
Crazy Ant Identification
Crazy ants are identified with a few distinct characteristics that include the following:
– Reddish-brown coloring.
– Measuring tiny; approximately 1/8” in length.
– Long course hairs scattered on their bodies.
– Both male and female feature wings, but females shed wings after mating. Though they have wings they rarely fly.
– A small round terminal orifice that contains venom is surrounded by a ring of hairs, this known as an acidopore.
– Absent a stinger but their bites deliver the venom.
– Rapid erratic movement.
Where Do Crazy Ants Live & What Do They Eat?
Living in both dry and moist climates, crazy ants are very adaptable. Breaking from the traditional mounds or nests that other species of ants construct, crazy ants live in tree cavities, plants, soil found under clutter or stones, yard clippings, and inside electrical equipment. When the weather changes, they often seek refuge inside buildings as they cannot survive in cold climates. Though the individual crazy ant colonies tend to be small, each has a surprising number of queens. Because there are so many queens, they quickly develop super colonies that quickly multiply from a few thousand ants to millions of ants. Crazy ants will forage a considerable distance from where they live. Randomly and rapidly searching for food, these ants are omnivorous feeding on living and dead insects, honeydew, fruits, plant secretions, seeds and a number of household edibles including grease, meats, sweets, produce, and liquids.
Ant Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
Because of their habits and numbers, crazy ants can be a challenge to remove from your home or business especially before they manage to cause damage to electrical systems. If you believe you have crazy ants inside your home or business, it is highly recommended you call for professional assistance. A-Tex Pest Management can deliver pest control services to thoroughly remove the threat of crazy ants. Call us as soon as possible to get started.
