Acrobats ants are small black ants that typically nest outside but can appear inside. They get their name from their tendency to lift their abdomen in the air. Acrobat ants are about 1/16–1/8 inch long. Queens range up to 3/8 inch long. They are typically light brown to black but are sometimes multicolored. Workers of many acrobat ant species may become aggressive and emit a repulsive odor when alarmed.
While acrobat ants most commonly nest in debris and woodpiles, ants can move into a structure and may be seen trailing along walks, walls, and siding. They prefer wood softened by decay fungi or Styrofoam insulation, but may enlarge cavities in wood made by other insects. They will occasionally strip the insulation from electrical or telephone wires, which can cause short circuits.
IDENTIFYING ACROBAT ANT PROBLEMS
Acrobat ants include several species. Their common name is descriptive of this ant's habit of raising the abdomen over the thorax and head, especially when disturbed. Various species are found throughout the United States, including at altitudes of up to 8,000 feet.
Acrobat ants are about 1/16 - 1/8 inch long. Queens range up to 3/8 inch long. They are typically light brown to black, sometimes multicolored. Workers of many species emit a repulsive odor when alarmed.
ACROBAT ANT DAMAGE
Often the only exterior indication of Acrobat Ant damage is the accumulation of debris expelled by these acrobat ant infestations, especially if the debris is styrofoam insulation. They prefer wood softened by decay fungi or styrofoam insulation, but may enlarge cavities in wood made by other insects. They will occasionally strip the insulation from electrical or telephone wires, which can cause short circuits.
ACROBAT ANT BIOLOGY
Little has been published on acrobat ant biology. Most structure-infesting species are described as nesting in moderate to large colonies. Probably the most commonly encountered species is C. lineolata with workers 1/8 inch, males 1/8 inch and females 1/4 - 3/8 inch. This species varies greatly in color and nests up to 5,000 feet elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
ACROBAT ANT INFESTATIONS
Inside structures, acrobat ant infestations typically nest in wood that has been subjected to high moisture and fungal decay, the same wood conditions favored by carpenter ants. Similarly, they will nest in styrofoam insulation panels behind siding and in wall voids. Outside, most species nest under rocks, or in logs, firewood, or trees where decay enables them to tunnel under the bark and/or into the wood. Acrobat ant infestations occasionally will nest in abandoned termite and carpenter ant galleries as well as in old wood borer, powderpost beetle or wood wasp tunnels.
Acrobat ant problems readily enter structures by trailing along tree limbs and utility lines as well along the rails of connected fences and decks. They then enter via cracks and holes around utility lines/pipes, window fraes, soffits, etc. Acrobat ant infestations also will trail across the ground and enter via door thresholds, weep holes, and other openings or carcks. They have been found to trail over 100 feet.
When disturbed or alarmed, acrobat ant problems of all but the smallest colonies tend to be quite aggressive. They are quick to bite, and give off a repulsive odor.
HOW TO GET RID OF ACROBAT ANTS IN YOUR HOME
Getting rid of acrobat ants can be tricky since ants can find their way into your home or business in a variety of ways. Our acrobat ant control experts will assess the ant problem and any ant damage prior to using environmentally friendly pest control methods. We will then work with you to establish an effective and long-lasting acrobat ant control plan, providing you with peace of mind when it comes to these potential unwelcome ant problems. And because Wildlife Management Services’ methods for acrobat ant control are environmentally friendly and organic, there is no concern for your family and pets.
Wildlife Management Services has the knowledge, equipment, and skills to take care of all of you acrobat ant problems and will show you how to get rid of acrobat ants for good!
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