Crazy Ant Identification

What are crazy ants? 

Crazy ants aren’t native to the United States, but since their introduction from South America, they have taken over parts of the Southern United States, including Florida. These brownish-red ants have bodies covered in tiny hairs and look like your typical ant; what sets them apart from other species is the way they travel together. Ants are social insects usually seen traveling to and from their nest and food sources in long straight lines. In contrast, crazy ants travel together in a frantic, erratic, jerky pattern. The way they travel makes them look unorganized and slightly “crazy.”

Are crazy ants dangerous?

Crazy ants do not belong living in our yards or homes. These ants are troublesome and cause a variety of problems for both people and animals. 

When crazy ants find a way into our homes, they can invade and cause damage to electrical equipment triggering electrical short, fires, and other costly damage. As they travel throughout our homes, they will contaminate surfaces and food with bacteria and parasites they carry on their bodies and legs. 

In outdoor spaces, large populations of crazy ants displace native species of ants, and they will invade the eyes and ears of livestock, poultry, pets, and wild animals, driving them crazy!

Why do I have a crazy ant problem?

Crazy ants are omnivores and feed on seeds, fruits, vegetables, garden aphids, and other live or dead insects. 

These ants will become a problem on any property they are nesting on or traveling to each day to forage for food. Things like fallen trees, flowerbeds, gardens, compost bins, trash cans, and outdoor eating areas attract crazy ants looking for food or shelter. 

Where will I find crazy ants?

In Florida, crazy ants live mainly outside. But, if the temperature cools off, the weather becomes too rainy, or there is a lack of food, crazy ants will invade our homes. Inside, these ants nest behind walls, under floors, or in crawl spaces near hot water pipes, air conditioners, or other electrical equipment. 

How do I get rid of crazy ants?

Ants can take over our properties in the blink of an eye and are difficult to eliminate. The best way to handle a crazy ant infestation is to partner with a professional. At Empire Pest Defense, we will protect your home or business against crazy ants through detailed inspections, effective interior and exterior treatments, and ongoing services.

Empire Pest Defense is a local company with a deep commitment to our community and providing our customers with top-notch services. Contact us today and learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services and how to eliminate crazy ants from your property once and for all!

How can I prevent crazy ants in the future?

Avoid problems with crazy ants with the help of the professionals at Empire Pest Defense, our effective pest control solutions, and our practical prevention tips:

• Inspect the exterior of your home. If you discover gaps or cracks leaking into your home, repair them with caulk or another sealant.

• Use steel wood to seal spaces around utilities entering into your house.

• Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans and compost bins to keep crazy ants and other pests out of them.

• Maintain gardens and fruit trees, regularly harvesting fruits and vegetables from them.

• Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, leaves, and other debris from your property that these ants can nest in.

• Repair leaking pipes or dripping air conditioners that could be supplying these pests with a water source.