There are many types of ants in Georgia, but one species most known to invade homes is the crazy ant. The crazy ant has unusual habits and behaviors that are different from most other ant species. They are also an overwintering type of pest, meaning you will commonly find them outside your house in the summer. They stay active in the winter by sneaking into your warm home and waiting out the cold temperatures.
At ProCare Pest Services, our Lawrenceville pest control experts have over a decade of experience dealing with the various types of ants in this area, and we know the best way to keep the crazy ants at bay.
Understanding Crazy Ant Behavior
Crazy ants are a relatively new species discovered by Tom Rasberry in 2002. They are commonly called "rasberry ants," and you find them in southern states, including Florida, Texas, and Georgia.
These ants look similar to others and measure around 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. Their bodies are usually black or brown and will have a gray sheen that is more noticeable under bright lights. One of their most distinguishing features is their unique movements. Instead of traveling together as one unit, crazy ants will walk their own path. If you see a cluster of crazy ants, they will likely all be going in different directions and making erratic and jerky movements.
The crazy ant is one of the most invasive types of ants in Georgia. They live in large groups and will nest under rocks, inside tree stumps, or around potted plants. They will also come inside your home and hide in various hard-to-reach areas. They are known to be aggressive towards other ant species, and if they find a place to build a nest already occupied by other ants, they will fight that species and take over their nest.
Crazy Ant And Electrical Systems
When any ant finds food, it will emit a strong-smelling pheromone in the air that will tell the other ants how to get to the food source. For some reason, some crazy ants seem drawn to the electrical wiring systems of homes and devices. They will get electrocuted when they touch the electrical wires and emit a pheromone. The nearby ants will detect the pheromones and think a food source is nearby. When the new ants get electrocuted, they will also emit their own pheromones, and the cycle will continue.
When several crazy ants infest electrical devices, it can cause the electrical system to short circuit. The ants could also clog the various switches and controls, which will cause your computers, phones, and other electronic devices not to work correctly.
A Crazy Ant Prevention Plan
Some of the things that you can do to keep ants out of your home include:
- Repair any moisture issues that you have in your home
- Keep your pantry food kept in an airtight container
- Take out the trash regularly
- Don't keep your outdoor trash cans too close to your house
- Cut back bushes, branches, and other vegetation away from your home
Crazy ants will come into your home if they think they can access a viable food and water source. By following these tips, you can prevent crazy ants from coming into your home in the first place.
Call In The Professionals For Total Crazy Ant Control
If you see any type of ant in your home, call us today. At ProCare Pest Services, we can identify the crazy ants and quickly get started on a Lawrenceville home pest control plan.