Acrobat Ant
Crematogaster sp.
Pest Stats
Color
Light brown to black, sometimes multicolored.
Size
Approximately 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) in length.
Shape
Distinctive heart-shaped abdomen, which they raise over their thorax and head when disturbed.
Region
Found throughout the United States, including Florida and the southeastern regions.
What is an Acrobat Ant?
Acrobat ants (Crematogaster ashmeadi) are small insects, typically measuring 2.6 to 3.2 mm in length, with shiny bodies that vary in color from light red to dark brown or black. Their most distinguishing characteristic is its heart-shaped gaster that is held up over its thorax when disturbed. These ants are native to Florida. Acrobat ants are arboreal ants, nesting in trees and rotten wood. They are the most dominant arboreal ant species in north Florida coastal plain pine forests, comprising 80-90% of the ants in that forest ecosystem.
Image courtesy of Daniel D. Dye
What does the Acrobat Ant look like?
Acrobat ants are small, measuring approximately 2.6 to 3.2 mm in length, with shiny bodies that vary in color from light red to dark brown or black. A distinctive feature is their heart-shaped abdomen, which they raise above their thorax when disturbed. These ants have a two-segmented petiole, with the postpetiole attaching to the upper surface of the abdomen. The abdomen is pointed and equipped with a sting that may or may not be visible. They possess a pair of short spines on the propodeum and sparse hairs on the head and mesosoma.
Similar Ants
- Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.)
- Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile)
Biology of Acrobat Ants
These ants undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. They typically nest in moist or decaying wood, such as logs, stumps, or tree cavities, and can also inhabit soil beneath leaf litter or rocks. Their diet includes live or dead insects and honeydew from sap-feeding insects like aphids, which they often protect to maintain this food source.
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Habits of Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants are predominantly arboreal, meaning their natural nesting behavior occurs above ground. They establish colonies in trees, shrubs, and decaying wood, particularly in cavities formed by other insects such as cossid moth larvae and bark beetles. In the coastal plain pine forests of northern Florida, acrobat ants are the dominant arboreal ant species, accounting for an estimated 80–90% of the arboreal ant population.
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When acrobat ants are found around a home, their nesting site is typically very close by. Colonies are most often located in trees or shrubs touching the structure, within rotting branches, or inside soffit voids and roofline areas where moisture or decayed wood is present. These ants commonly use overhanging vegetation and structural contact points as natural pathways between nests and buildings.
Typically, each tree hosts a single colony, though colonies may occupy multiple interconnected nest sites. Each colony contains one queen, but workers can travel between nest locations, requiring coordinated communication and movement throughout the colony.
5 Ways To Prevent Acrobat Ants in Your Home
These proactive steps will help keep them away, but if you’re still seeing signs of these ants, the professionals at Wise House Pest Control are just a call away.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home's exterior for cracks, gaps, and openings, especially around doors, windows, and utility lines, and seal them with silicone-based caulk to block potential entryways.
Eliminate Moisture Sources
Repair leaky pipes, ensure proper ventilation in attics and crawl spaces, and address any moisture buildup within walls to create an inhospitable environment for acrobat ants.
Maintain Landscaping
Keep tree branches and shrubbery trimmed away from the house to prevent ants from using them as bridges to enter your home.
Properly Store Firewood and Building Materials
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground, and eliminate piles of lumber, bricks, or other debris that could serve as nesting sites for ants.
Use Insecticide Barriers
Apply a residual insecticide barrier along the foundation of your home to deter ants from entering.
Need Help Getting Rid of Acrobat Ants?
Contact Wise House Pest Control at 1-800-283-1559 for more information and a free quote on ant control services.
5 Ways To Keep Acrobat Ants Out Of Your Home
Store Food Properly
Ants are highly attracted to food inside the home. Keep food stored in airtight containers, clean up crumbs or spills immediately, and regularly empty trash bins with food waste.
Clean Regularly
Ants are resourceful and will find even the smallest bits of food. Regularly sweep, mop, and wipe down countertops, especially in the kitchen and dining areas, to remove potential food sources. Pay attention to corners and crevices where crumbs might gather.
Reduce Moisture
Fix leaks and eliminate damp areas to remove the moisture that Acrobat Ants seek out. Repair dripping faucets, leaky roofs, or poor drainage, and replace any damp or rotting wood.
Seal Cracks and Gaps Indoors
Just as with the exterior, inspect your home’s interior for small cracks or gaps where ants could enter. Seal any visible openings, especially around windows, door frames, baseboards, and along the edges of cabinets.
Don’t Leave Pet Food Out Overnight
If you have pets, avoid leaving their food out overnight. Ants are attracted to pet food, so clean up any leftover food, or place pet dishes in a shallow tray of water to create a barrier.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are acrobat ants?
Acrobat ants are small dark ants in the genus Crematogaster, known for raising their heart-shaped abdomen over their head when disturbed. They are common throughout Florida, especially in wooded and coastal areas.
Where do acrobat ants usually nest?
Acrobat ants are predominantly arboreal. Around homes, they typically nest in trees and shrubs touching the structure, decaying wood, or soffit and roofline voids rather than inside walls like some other ants.
Why are acrobat ants in my house?
When acrobat ants are found indoors, it usually means there is a nest nearby outside. They often enter homes through overhanging branches, roof gaps, soffits, or utility penetrations while foraging for food or moisture.
Are acrobat ants dangerous?
Acrobat ants are not considered dangerous, but they can bite if disturbed and may emit a mild odor. Their presence often signals moisture issues or wood decay, which should be addressed to prevent further pest activity.
Do acrobat ants cause structural damage?
Acrobat ants do not eat wood like termites, but they nest in decaying or moisture-damaged wood. Their activity can indicate hidden structural issues that may worsen over time if left untreated.
How do you get rid of acrobat ants?
Effective acrobat ant control requires locating the outdoor nest, trimming vegetation touching the home, sealing entry points, and applying non-repellent treatments that eliminate the colony rather than just visible ants.
Why do acrobat ants keep coming back?
Recurring acrobat ant activity usually means the nesting site was not eliminated or conditions such as moisture, wood decay, or vegetation contact still exist. Long-term prevention focuses on exclusion and habitat modification.
Should I use store-bought sprays for acrobat ants?
Over-the-counter sprays often provide short-term relief but do not eliminate the colony. In some cases, sprays can cause ants to relocate and spread. Professional treatment is more effective for long-term control.