Acrobat Ants: Appearance, Habits and Signs of an Infestation
Appearance of Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants are brown to blackish small ants, about 1/8-inch (3mm). When looking at this insect from above, the abdomen has a heart-shape.
The key identifying characteristic of acrobats is that the pedicel attaches to the upper part of the abdomen.
Habits of Acrobat Ants
When outdoors, acrobat ants will nest near moisture such as under stones, in stumps, in rotting logs and under woodpiles. Conversely, when invading your home or business, acrobat ants often nest in damp areas. This can include foam sheathing behind siding. This insect can even nest in roofing near a leaking skylight.
Acrobat ants frequently nest in wood that has been damaged by termites or carpenter ants. In addition, this insect can clean out the galleries that other insects have made in the wood. They push the dirt or wood scraps out of the galleries. Sometimes, as a homeowner or business owner, you might find this debris and think their is an active termite infestation.
These ants enter homes and businesses in several ways. Sometimes they will make a trail across the ground. Door thresholds and construction gaps are common entryways. Acrobat ants can also follow tree limbs or shrubs that touch your house or building. They can even make their trails on utility lines. In addition, the ants can enter your home or business through the same opening that pipes or wires go through. if acrobat ants come into your home or business, they generally prefer sweets and meat.
Signs of an Acrobat Ant Infestation
Acrobat ants are capable of nesting inside buildings, sometimes inside space with insulation. One of the most noticeable signs of an acrobat ant infestation is the trails of ants as they forage for resources.
Another sign of an acrobat ant infestation is the debris they deposit as they excavate their nests, which often consists of foam insulation and dead ants near the nest.
How to Prevent an Acrobat Infestation in Your Bryan/College Station Home or Business
Preventing an acrobat infestation in your home or business begins with a thorough inspection. Sometimes there is evidence to show where they are nesting. For instance, if there are pieces of foam on the ground by the foundation, it may be a sign that acrobats are nesting behind the siding.
In addition, ants that are migrating in a trail can lead to their nest and their food supply. Often times, it is necessary to correct a moisture problem before it is possible to eliminate acrobat ants.
Signs of an acrobat ant infestation and acrobat ant nests can be difficult to locate. Therefore, our professionals here at City Pest Control can treat an acrobat ant infestation in your home or business. Contact us with the link below for more information!
