Crazy ants are one of the more unusual pests in your home or yard. Known for their fast, erratic movements, these small insects can become a major nuisance if left unchecked. Explore what crazy ants are, how to identify them, and, most importantly, how to effectively remove them from your property.
What Are Crazy Ants?
Crazy ants, particularly the Rasberry or Tawny varieties, are infamous for their unpredictable behavior and ability to invade homes in large numbers. These ants belong to the Nylanderia species and are initially from South America, though they have been spreading across the U.S. for several years. The name “crazy ants” comes from how they move, darting around chaotically instead of marching in a straight line like other ant species.
One of their most troubling traits is their ability to thrive in a variety of environments, both indoors and outdoors. They often seek out moisture, making them likely to nest in damp areas or even inside electrical equipment, which can cause costly damage. Crazy ants are small, measuring about 2.2 to 3 millimeters, and range from reddish-brown to dark brown. Their colonies can grow to massive sizes, with millions of ants forming what is known as a supercolony, making infestations particularly challenging to control.
How to Identify Crazy Ants
If you spot a few ants moving erratically rather than following an organized trail, you may be dealing with crazy ants. Their unpredictable, zigzagging movements indicate that you’re not facing typical house ants. Unlike other species of ants that build visible mounds, crazy ants prefer to nest in hidden, sheltered areas like under rocks, inside potted plants, or within walls.
Another unique trait is their attraction to electrical equipment. Crazy ants have been known to infest air conditioners, laptops, and even household wiring. This can lead to damage beyond being a nuisance, often requiring costly repairs or replacements. So, if you notice ants around your electronics, it’s a strong indicator that you’re dealing with crazy ants.
Rasberry Crazy Ants vs. Tawny Crazy Ants
You may hear the terms “Rasberry crazy ants” and “Tawny crazy ants” used interchangeably. They refer to the same species. They are more commonly called Tawny crazy ants due to their distinctive reddish-brown color. While they share behaviors with other crazy ant species, Rasberry crazy ants are especially well-known for their resilience to conventional pest control methods, making them a more formidable foe.
How to Get Rid of Crazy Ants
Once you’ve confirmed that you have crazy ants, acting quickly is essential, as these pests can multiply rapidly and become overwhelming. Start by addressing the areas that attract them in the first place—moisture and food sources.
Begin by thoroughly cleaning your home, especially in areas like the kitchen where food remnants might attract ants. Wipe down surfaces, sweep up crumbs, and make sure all food is stored in airtight containers. Crazy ants are particularly drawn to sugary substances, so removing any sources of temptation is crucial. Also, any leaky pipes or damp areas should be fixed since these ants attract moisture.
Next, inspect your home for possible entry points. Crazy ants can enter through even the smallest cracks or gaps, so it’s essential to seal up any openings around doors, windows, and the foundation of your home. Caulking any visible cracks and installing door sweeps can help keep them out. Additionally, keep the perimeter of your house clear of overgrown vegetation and yard debris, as these can serve as ideal nesting spots for crazy ants.
DIY vs. Professional Pest Control
Dealing with a crazy ant infestation can be daunting. While some homeowners may attempt to tackle the problem using DIY methods, these ants can be particularly tough to get rid of and hide in hard-to-reach areas like wall voids or electronics. It may, therefore, be best to seek out professional ant exterminators for help. If your infestation is small, combining baits, sprays, and granules may be enough to control the problem. However, given the ants’ ability to form supercolonies, DIY methods often fall short in larger infestations.
If your efforts to get rid of ants aren’t working, it might be time to call in our professional ant exterminators. This is especially true if you’re seeing large numbers of ants across multiple rooms or if they’ve infiltrated your electronics, where they can cause severe damage. Our highly trained ant exterminators use highly targeted treatments that can eliminate the infestation more effectively than over-the-counter products.
Eliminate Crazy Ants with Our Professional Exterminator Service
Crazy ants can quickly become a persistent and frustrating problem for homeowners. To control them effectively, it’s important to maintain a clean environment, seal entry points, and use proper baiting and insecticide methods. Our professional ant exterminator service offers expert assistance to remove these pests from your home. Don’t let the problem worsen—contact our team today to take swift action against crazy ants!
