Crazy Like An Ant
Crazy is often defined as being affected with madness. One insect that drives homeowners mad, ironically, is the dreaded Crazy Ant – ironic because this particular pest doesn’t have the ability to sting or bite.
Named for their quick and erratic movements, Crazy Ants typically invade homes in huge numbers and feed on sugar, any type of food crumbs and other insects. During a recent outbreak in Houston, they were discovered to have damaged electrical equipment, clearly showing an eclectic taste to try something new to eat.
These critters have been identified on the top floors of skyscrapers on both U.S. coasts, outdoors throughout South Florida, and have even been found indoors over much of the eastern U.S. and in California and Arizona. Their lineage suggests they were first discovered in Florida back in the mid-1950s; however, they have become a severe nuisance over the last 10 years especially.
What makes them especially challenging is that they will nest indoors or outdoors. Their trails have been observed along sidewalks, buildings and gardens.
Due to their sheer numbers during an infestation, Crazy Ants can be especially tough to eliminate. One sure way to begin the elimination process is making sure all food in a home is sealed in containers and sealing any existing foundation crevices. As their contact with food is eliminated, Crazy Ants will begin to disappear.
Crazy Ants, like most ants, are also attracted to water, so drain your sink after washing the dishes and be sure to dry your counter tops. In addition, granular bait formulas applied outside a structure have proven to be the most effective treatment for controlling indoor ant infestations. Howeve,r this bait is only available to licensed pest-control operators who have proper training and equipment. Homeowner versions are available, but not as effective.
Have you ever experienced a Crazy Ant outbreak? Have you ever played Crazy Eights? Send me your crazy stories…
Barry the Bug Guy
May 29th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I seem to get these type of ants in large outbreaks – does upcoming weather predict when Crazy Ants might come?
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:30 am
Weather has a great deal to do with any pest infestation. Increased temperature and humidity levels provide an incubator effect on the insect world. Reproduction increases, swarms can occur for the purpose of colonizing new nesting sites as well. In cooler temperatures reproduction slows and activity decreases. In very cold climates a kind of hibernation can occur only to be awakened in the following spring and summer months.