Crazy Ant
Paratrechina longicornis
Physical Features
Dark brown to black, workers are one size approximately 1/10 inch. The scape (first segment of the antenna) is twice the length of the head. Long legs relative to body size.
Life Cycle
Complete Metamorphosis
New colonies created when reproductive engage in nuptial flights and also “budding” or breaking apart from an existing colony. Multiple queens live in one colony. Moderate size colonies normally: 40 queens and 2,000 workers.
Habits
- Diet: Live/dead insects, seeds, honeydew, fruits, household foods. Seasonal preferences.
- Activity: Known for its erratic, rapid movements
- Preferred Climate: Warm, humid and dry
- Defense: Bites then releases an acidic liquid that causes burning sensation
- Cautions: Burning sensation if bit, see previous
- Home Invasion: Will find way into home or can be transported by plants into home. Sets up multiple nests making it hard to control. On outside nests have little to no mounds and can be difficult to identify harborage points. Base of trees, foundations, under mulch or vegetation are most common harborage points outdoors. Will forage far for food so much track to harborage point to get to source. This can be difficult due to their random movements.
Helpful Hints for Control
- Regular waste removal due to residing sometime in trash receptacles
- Regular landscape maintenance
- Seal cracks and crevices to prevent interior entry
- Ongoing pest control service for prevention.
Interesting Fact
The Rasberry Crazy Ant is a new species of crazy ant discovered in Texas by a pest control operator, Tom Rasberry.
