Acrobat ants (scientific name: Crematogaster) are fascinating ant genus known for their distinct heart-shaped abdomen. These ants, common in Georgia, have unique characteristics and behaviors that set them apart from other ants. They are often confused with similar species like carpenter ants, odorous house ants, or pavement ants, but with proper identification, they can be recognized by their unique traits.
Acrobat Ants in Georgia
Acrobat ants thrive in Georgia’s warm, humid climate. Their presence in homes and gardens can be a nuisance, especially when they forage for food or nest in structural cavities. Understanding their appearance and behavior is key to managing an infestation.
What Do Acrobat Ants Look Like?
Acrobat ants are either dark brown, black, or sometimes reddish-brown in color. They range from 0.25 to 0.3 centimeters in size. When you look at the abdomen (back section of an insect), you will see two nodes (bumps) connecting it to the thorax (middle section of an insect). You can differentiate termites and ants by looking at the antenna. Ants have an antenna that looks bent or elbowed, while termites have a straight, beaded-looking antenna. Another key to helping identify acrobat ants is the shape of their abdomen. They have a very distinct heart-shaped abdomen.
Acrobat ants are scavengers that usually feed on other insects outdoors. Indoors, they search for protein or sugar sources. When these ants are disturbed, they have a unique habit: they hold their abdomen over their head or body as they run.
Signs of an Acrobat Ant Infestation
Signs of an acrobat ant infestation often begin with noticing small, active ants foraging for food around kitchens, window frames, or soffits. Other indications include:
- Trails of ants leading to entry points like utility lines or tree limbs.
- The presence of frass (wood shavings) near damaged wood, suggesting they have excavated old termite tunnels or other insect cavities.
- Stripped foam insulation, indicating their activity within wall voids or damp insulation.
- Ant swarmers, which can signal a nearby nesting site.
Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Behaviors
Where Do Acrobat Ants Live?
Acrobat ants usually nest outdoors in decaying wood, such as stumps, firewood, or tree limbs. They also build nests in leaf piles or soil. Indoors, they areas such as foam insulation, wall voids, or old termite tunnels. They prefer nesting sites near water leaks or decaying wood. Window frames and utility lines can serve as convenient entry points into homes, where they forage for food and establish colonies.
Diet
Acrobat ants are omnivores, feeding on both plant-based and protein-rich materials. Outdoors, they consume honeydew produced by aphids and mealybugs, as well as dead insects, while indoors they forage for sugary or protein-rich foods, making kitchen pantries a favorite target.
Life Cycle
Like other ants, acrobat ants have a complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Colonies consist of a queen, workers, and occasionally swarmers (winged ants). These swarmers are reproductive ants that leave the colony to establish new nests.
Behaviours
Acrobat ants are known for their unique heart-shaped abdomens, which they can raise over their thorax when disturbed, a behavior often used as a defensive posture. These ants are social insects and opportunistic foragers that exhibit a preference for sweet substances. Acrobat ants are also known to scavenge for proteins, making them efficient at exploiting various food sources. While they are not aggressive, they will defend their colonies vigorously, and their ability to invade structures in search of food or shelter can sometimes make them a nuisance pest.
Are Acrobat Ants Dangerous?
These ants do have a stinger and, as such, are capable of inflicting a sting. However, the pain is mild and should not last for very long. These ants are more of a nuisance than anything else. They don’t typically nest in homes, but if conditions are right and there is damp or damaged wood in the home, they may take advantage of the opportunity. A disturbing habit is their infestation of foam core panel insulation. Acrobat ants also strip the insulation off of wires, causing short circuits that create a fire hazard. If an acrobat ant infestation is suspected, it is recommended to contact a professional ant exterminator.
How to Get Rid of Acrobat Ants
Getting rid of acrobat ants begins with identifying and addressing their nests. Start by observing ant trails to locate their entry points, often found near window frames, soffits, tree limbs, or utility lines. Once the entry points are identified, remove any attractants, such as sugary residues, protein-rich crumbs, or water leaks, which draw the ants indoors. If the acrobat ants’ nest is located, treat it directly with a suitable insecticide, ensuring the colony is completely eradicated. However, acrobat ant infestations can be challenging to control without professional help. Acrobat ant control experts like Active Pest Control have the tools and expertise to locate nests in hard-to-reach places, such as wall voids or foam insulation, and apply effective treatments to eliminate the infestation. Seeking professional ant control is particularly important when dealing with larger colonies or recurring infestations.
Acrobat Ant Prevention Tips
Preventing an acrobat ant infestation requires proactive measures to make your home less inviting to these pests. Seal cracks and entry points around windows, doors, and utility lines to block their access. Address moisture issues by repairing water leaks and ensuring proper ventilation in damp areas.
Food storage is also crucial; keep all food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs or spills promptly to avoid attracting ants. Regular property inspections can help identify and replace decaying wood or other potential nesting sites. Combining these steps with routine maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of an acrobat ant infestation and keep your home clean and safe.
Do You Have an Ant Infestation Problem? We Can Help
Ant infestations can be challenging to manage without Active’s professional help. Our pest control experts specialize in identifying and treating acrobat ant infestations and other ant species like carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants. Contact us today for effective pest control solutions tailored to your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do acrobat ants bite?
Acrobat ants are not known for biting humans but can sting if they feel threatened or disturbed. While their sting is not severe, it may cause mild irritation. Seek medical help if it worsens.
Do acrobat ants sting?
Yes, acrobat ants possess a stinger. However, their sting is relatively mild compared to other ant species, such as fire ants and typically does not pose a significant health risk to humans.
Are acrobat ants wood-destroying insects?
Acrobat ants are not classified as wood-destroying insects like termites or carpenter ants. However, they do excavate and nest in damaged or decaying wood. This behavior can exacerbate existing structural problems if left untreated, particularly in areas such as window frames, wall voids, or foam insulation.
Do acrobat ants have wings?
Yes, reproductive acrobat ants, also known as swarmers, have wings. These winged ants leave the nest to form new colonies, often indicating the presence of a mature acrobat ant infestation nearby.
