Trying To Get Rid Of Ants?

Home invasive ants - or “crazy ants,” as they are termed - are moving across the Southeastern United States, rapidly replacing the common fire ant as the most invasive species of ant. The common fire ant is known to reproduce and make large mounds in your yard, but they usually do not invade homes. Crazy ants, however, will go everywhere - especially inside your home! They are opportunistic nesters and will nest in the first place that is conducive to their survival. Crazy ants invade your home’s walls and crawlspaces. They reproduce rapidly and usually cause damage to electrical equipment. Although crazy ants do not sting, they are so pervasive that the management of home invasions can be costly.

The home invasive ant has replaced the fire ant in some of the Texas Gulf Coast areas as the most common species. In fact, the home invasive ant has become ecologically dominant by reducing the number and diversity of the ant and arthropod species. Due to their omnivorous nature, crazy ants are known to prey on other ant and arthropod species. Even in areas where the crazy ants are not abundant, they have diminished the native ant species. Unfortunately, the home invasive ants do not consume typical ant baits, and their super colony can take over the area at a later time.

First discovered in 2002, home invasive ants were found in Houston, Texas, and have since been found in Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana in primarily wet environments that have milder winters. As a result of much research, home invasive ants have been identified as a species of ants called Nylanderia fulva that originated in Argentina and Brazil, and were later transported to the Texas Gulf Coast as a result of human movement. Reproductive members of the crazy ant population are unable to fly. The colony is only able to move a little over two hundred meters per year, unless they are transported by humans. The most common way this happens is by plant and garden nurseries transplanting and shipping out potted plants.

The home invasive ants’ natural predators that exist in Argentina and Brazil are not evident in the Southeastern United States; thus, they are changing the food pyramid drastically. At this point, it is unknown as to whether or not the home invasive ants are able to live in a variety of environments; so far, it is suggested that they are not suitable for dry and cold climates.

If ants or other pests have made unwanted appearances around your home or business, call Cantu Pest & Termite and schedule an appointment today with one of our friendly, experienced ant removal experts.