Crazy ants can drive you crazy. These pests are a nuisance in the home and can threaten business operations thanks to their peculiar behavior. But do you know the difference between different types of crazy ants in Texas? And do you know what to do to protect your property? Here’s your guide to crazy ant control in Salado.
What To Know About Crazy Ants
Crazy ants are named for their unpredictable, erratic movement. These pests seem to dart around randomly with no rhyme or reason to their actions. There are two types of crazy ants found in Texas, both invasive species.
Black crazy ants, also called longhorn crazy ants, are dark brown or black in color and measure about 1/10 inch in length. These tiny ants have especially long antennae and legs.
Tawny crazy ants, or Rasberry crazy ants (named for Tom Rasberry, who first discovered them in Texas), are reddish-brown or golden in color and also measure about 1/10 inch in length.
Both of these species nest in similar areas and have been known to displace native ants. While crazy ants might seem like more of an annoyance than a threat, these pests can cause a number of problems that make them worse than other ants.
Why Are Crazy Ants Bad To Have?
Crazy ants run the gamut of pest problems from property damage to disease to bites and stings. Both black crazy ants and tawny crazy ants are equipped with unique defense mechanisms. Neither have true stingers, but both can assail attackers with potent formic acid secreted from a special acidopore at the end of their abdomen.
Crazy ants have also been identified as vectors of disease and can transmit pathogens in the locations they infest. This is particularly dangerous for healthcare facilities that crazy ants infest. And strangely, crazy ants are also known to damage or short out electrical equipment. It’s believed that when these little ants receive an electric shock, they emit a distress pheromone that summons other crazy ants to the scene. More and more ants get shocked and more pheromones are released until a massive pile-up of electrocuted ants develops, causing equipment to malfunction. This behavior alone makes crazy ants a real danger for homes and businesses.
How To Prevent Crazy Ants
The real trouble with crazy ants is that they are incredibly difficult to get rid of. Crazy ant colonies can have twenty or more queens at once, making it difficult to eliminate the ants at the source. Not to mention, their small size allows crazy ants to slip in and out of the tightest of spaces. But you can prevent crazy ants on your Salado property with some simple adjustments.
- Inspect and seal – Examine your property for any structural cracks, crevices, or openings and seal with silicone caulk to prevent ants from getting in. Don’t forget about open space around pipes and wires!
- Mind the moisture – Reduce moisture around your property by fixing leaking pipes, faucets, and other plumbing. Clear away any blockages to make sure that gutters and drains are flowing smoothly.
- Don’t make a mess – Clean up any food waste or spilled beverages quickly and thoroughly. Ensure that all food is stored in airtight containers and never left out overnight. Keep trash stored in a bin with a tight-sealing lid and be sure to always use trash bags to reduce residue that attracts pests.
If crazy ants are driving you crazy, you can count on the pros at White Knight Pest Control to take care of the problem. We offer both residential pest control and commercial pest control plans to eliminate crazy ants wherever they cause trouble. So, for crazy ants and all your other pest control needs, get in touch with us today.