Crazy Ant
Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille)
Pest Stats
Color
Reddish-brown to dark brown
Size
Approximately 2.3 to 3 mm long
Shape
Slender body with long legs and extra-long antennae
Region
Found in South Florida, the southeastern U.S., and tropical regions worldwide
What is Crazy Ant?
Crazy ants (Paratrechina longicornis) are small, fast-moving ants known for their erratic, zigzagging movements when foraging. They have long legs and antennae, giving them a distinctive appearance. These ants thrive in warm, humid climates and are commonly found throughout South Florida in both urban and natural environments. Crazy ants do not follow straight trails and move randomly, making them difficult to control.
What Do Crazy Ants Look Like?
Crazy ants have slender, elongated bodies covered in fine hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy appearance under magnification. Their dark brown to black coloration is often accompanied by a slightly metallic sheen. One of their most recognizable features is their exceptionally long legs and antennae, which help them move rapidly and navigate obstacles with ease.
Unlike other ants that have defined segmentation, crazy ants have a more streamlined body structure with a small petiole (waist) that is often hard to distinguish. They are smaller than carpenter ants, typically measuring between 2.3 to 3 mm, but their frantic movements and large colony sizes make them highly noticeable in infested areas.
Similar Ants
- Big-Headed Ants (Pheidole megacephala)
- Ghost Ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum)
- Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile)
Biology and Behavior of Crazy Ants
Crazy ants are highly adaptable and nest in a variety of locations, including soil, mulch, tree cavities, electrical boxes, wall voids, and even inside homes. They are omnivorous, feeding on sweets, proteins, dead insects, and honeydew from aphids and scale insects. Unlike carpenter ants, they do not cause structural damage, but their large numbers can make them a nuisance in homes and businesses.
One major concern with crazy ants is their tendency to invade electrical equipment, leading to short circuits and damage to HVAC systems, breaker boxes, and electronics. This makes them a serious pest in residential and commercial properties.
Habits, Behaviors, Threats/Dangers of Crazy Ants
Crazy Ants are highly invasive pests that thrive in moist, warm environments, often nesting inside homes, walls, and outdoor structures. They move erratically and rapidly, making them difficult to track and control. While they do not sting, they can bite, though their bite is mild. A major concern is their tendency to infest electrical equipment, which can cause short circuits, power failures, and expensive repairs. Their large colonies with multiple queens enable them to spread quickly, making professional treatment essential for long-term control.
These ants are attracted to sweet and greasy foods, often invading kitchens and pantries in search of sustenance. Without proper prevention, crazy ants can quickly overrun a property, making them one of the most challenging ant species to eliminate.
5 Ways to Prevent Crazy Ants in Your Home
Seal Entry Points
Crazy ants can enter through small cracks, gaps, and vents. Use caulk, weather stripping, and mesh screens to block potential entryways.
Reduce Moisture Around Your Home
Fix leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and standing water to make your home less attractive to these moisture-loving ants.
Store Food Properly and Maintain Cleanliness
Crazy ants are drawn to sweet and protein-rich foods. Keep food in airtight containers, wipe down counters, and vacuum regularly to remove crumbs.
Store Food Properly and Keep Surfaces Clean
These ants forage for sweets, proteins, and greasy foods. Store food in sealed containers, wipe down counters, and remove crumbs to eliminate food sources.
Schedule Professional Pest Control Services
Due to their large colonies and fast spread, professional treatment is the most effective way to eliminate crazy ant infestations and prevent them from returning.
Need Help Getting Rid of Crazy Ants?
If you're dealing with a crazy ant infestation in South Florida, professional pest control services can help identify nesting sites and implement effective treatment strategies. Contact a licensed exterminator to protect your home or business from these invasive pests.
Contact Wise House Environmental Services at 1-800-283-1559 for more information and a free quote on ant control services.
5 Ways To Keep Crazy 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, and wipe down countertops, especially in the kitchen and dining areas, to remove potential food sources. Pay attention to corners and crevices.
Reduce Moisture
Fix leaks and eliminate damp areas to remove the moisture that Crazy 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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