Crazy Ants (Paratrechina longicornis) (Latreille)
Crazy ants get their common name from the worker's habit of running in an erratic, jerky manner when searching for food.
| COLOR: | Dark brown to black with gray sheen |
| LEGS: | 6 |
| SHAPE: | Long, segmented |
| SIZE: | 1/16 – 1/8” (2.2 – 3.0 mm) |
| ANTENNAE: | True |
| REGION: | All |
Habits
Crazy ants feed primarily on live and dead insects, seeds, fruits and honeydew. They enter homes in the autumn or after rainfall because both conditions reduce their supply of honeydew. Inside, crazy ants usually nest underneath floors or carpeting. Outdoors, the nests are shallow and commonly found in soil under objects or next to foundations.
Habitat
Crazy ants are highly adaptable, nesting in both dry and moist habitats. They are known to completely abandon one nesting site and move to another. The colonies tend to be small, composed of up to 2,000 workers, but larger colonies of more than 10,000 ants have also been found in debris piles and mulch beds.
Threats
Crazy ants do not pose a health threat, but if they gain entry to a structure, they can become a nuisance.
Prevention:
It is important to seal all possible points of entry around the house including small openings and cracks around doors and windows. Food spills and other potential attractants should be cleaned up as soon as possible.