Wildlife Wednesdays: Meet the Acrobat Ants
In this week’s Wildlife Wednesdays, we’re taking a closer look at one of the smaller but fascinating pests you might encounter around your home—the acrobat ant. Named for their ability to raise their abdomen above their head when threatened, these ants are known for their acrobatic postures and unique nesting habits. Let’s dive into the world of acrobat ants, explore their behaviors, and find out how to protect your home from them.
What Are Acrobat Ants?
Acrobat ants (Crematogaster spp.) are small ants that are typically reddish-brown or black and range from 1/8 to 1/4 inch in size. They get their name from their ability to lift their heart-shaped abdomen over their body when they feel threatened, a unique behavior that sets them apart from other ant species.
These ants are commonly found throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, especially in and around wooded or moist environments. While they primarily nest outdoors, acrobat ants can easily find their way into homes when they search for food or shelter.
Common Signs of an Acrobat Ant Infestation
While acrobat ants are tiny, their presence can still cause problems in your home. Here are some common signs to watch for:
Visible Trails: Acrobat ants are known to form long, visible trails along walls, floors, and foundations as they search for food.
Nest Materials: These ants often displace debris or frass, which looks like small piles of wood shavings or dirt, near windowsills, door frames, and baseboards.
Damaged Wood: Although acrobat ants don't eat wood, they can hollow out wood to create nesting sites, especially if they find damp or decayed wood.
Odor: In some cases, acrobat ants produce a faint, musty smell when disturbed.
Where Do Acrobat Ants Nest?
Acrobat ants tend to build their nests in a variety of places, both inside and outside your home. Some of their favorite spots include:
Outdoor Locations: Acrobat ants typically nest in rotting wood, decaying trees, or dead tree limbs. They also build nests under rocks, in mulch, and within landscaping features.
Indoor Locations: If these ants make their way into your home, they’ll often nest in wall voids, attic spaces, or around windows and doors where moisture may accumulate.
One of the most common reasons for an indoor infestation is decaying wood, as acrobat ants love to nest in wood that’s been compromised by water damage or termites. In fact, they often move into areas that have already been damaged by other pests, making them a secondary problem.
Are Acrobat Ants Dangerous?
While acrobat ants aren’t directly dangerous to humans, they can still cause damage to your home. Their nesting habits can lead to hollowed-out wood structures, and their presence can worsen existing moisture problems. Additionally, they can contaminate food if they make their way into your pantry.
Acrobat ants are also aggressive defenders of their nests. If disturbed, they can bite and emit a foul-smelling odor as a form of defense. While the bite isn’t harmful, it can be uncomfortable.
How to Prevent Acrobat Ants from Entering Your Home
Keeping acrobat ants at bay requires a proactive approach. Here are some tips to help prevent an infestation:
Seal Entry Points: Check your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, or holes, especially around windows and doors. Use caulk to seal any potential entry points.
Repair Leaks: Acrobat ants are attracted to moisture, so be sure to fix any leaks or water damage in your home. This includes leaky pipes, faucets, and roofs.
Remove Rotting Wood: Since acrobat ants love decaying wood, be sure to remove any dead tree limbs, old firewood, or other rotting wood from your yard.
Keep Food Sealed: Store all food in airtight containers, and clean up crumbs and spills immediately to reduce the chances of attracting ants.
Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and bushes trimmed so they don’t touch the exterior of your home. Acrobat ants can use these branches as a bridge to enter your house.
What to Do If You Have an Acrobat Ant Infestation
If you suspect you have acrobat ants in your home, it’s important to act quickly. These ants can be tricky to eliminate on your own, especially if they’ve built nests in hard-to-reach areas. At Paragon Pest Control, we specialize in identifying and treating acrobat ant infestations.
Our team of professionals will inspect your home, identify the source of the infestation, and provide a tailored treatment plan to ensure these ants are removed for good. We also offer prevention tips to keep them from returning in the future.
Conclusion
Acrobat ants may be small, but they can cause significant issues if they infest your home. Whether it’s their tendency to nest in damp wood or their aggressive defense tactics, it’s important to stay vigilant and keep these ants out of your house.
If you’re dealing with acrobat ants or any other pest issues, contact Paragon Pest Control today at (972) 435-9797 or visit paragonpestdfw.com to schedule an inspection. Let us help protect your home from pests big and small.