Acrobat Ants in Florida
In Florida, acrobat ants are occasional structural pests. Their name is derived from the acrobatic pose of the workers when they are alarmed, with the abdomen raised and arched above the head. Their stinger is shaped like a spatula, which they use to wipe their venom on smaller prey. Acrobat ants tend to nest in hollow stems and twigs and they may tunnel through soft damp wood much like carpenter ants. The ants practice mutualism, which means they tend aphids and feed on the honeydew that the aphids produce. When acrobat ants nest indoors they generally nest inside wood or cavities kept moist with water from leaks.
How to Identify Acrobat Ants
These ants are small, ranging from about one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch long. Typically they are light brown or, black, but some are even multicolored. The most noticeable feature is their heart-shaped abdomen, which is easiest to spot from above. When they feel threatened, they’ll arch their abdomen, something that makes them stand out from other tiny ants that bite.
Acrobat Ant Habitat
Outdoors, acrobat ants nest in a variety of locations, usually in the deadwood of trees, including branches, stems of trees, and stumps. They are not considered pests of trees and shrubs but they do protect aphids and other insects that are pests. Indoors, acrobat ants nest in woodwork, sometimes moving into abandoned carpenter ant and termite galleries. When found nesting in a home, they prefer doors and window frames that have been damaged by other insects or moisture. When foraging for food, these ant pests prefer kitchen cabinets and pantries. Their presence, whether indoors or outdoors, indicates decaying wood.
Acrobat Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Worker acrobat ants have been known to bite aggressively and release a foul odor when provoked. Mild reactions are common and may last from a few hours to a few days. They don’t typically nest in homes, but if conditions are right and there is damp or damaged wood in the home, they may take advantage of the opportunity. A disturbing habit is their infestation of foam core panel insulation. Acrobat ants also strip the insulation off of wires, causing short circuits that create a fire hazard. If an acrobat ant infestation is suspected, it is recommended to contact a professional ant exterminator.
Signs of an Acrobat Ant Infestation & Nests
Seeing small ants trailing along baseboards, walls, or countertops could indicate an infestation. You might also notice bits of insulation or wood debris near their nest site.
These ants are also known for their fecal-like odor when disturbed, threatened, or crushed.
If you suspect you have acrobat ants, look for signs of damp wood or leaks which often support their nesting.
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Effective Acrobat Ant Control Methods
Getting rid of acrobat ants isn’t always simple. Reducing excess moisture and replacing rotting wood can help. Sealing up entry points around your home also makes it harder for ants to get inside. For long-term results, it’s important to go beyond DIY fixes. For acrobat ant control, the most reliable option is to work with professionals who can pinpoint the problem and treat it at the source. DIY efforts may offer short-term relief, but they often don’t deal with the full extent of the infestation.
At Florida Pest, we have a proactive approach to pest control. We focus on solutions that not only help rid your home or business of ants and other pests but also try to ensure that they don’t return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Get Rid Of Acrobat Ants?
The most effective DIY method for dealing with acrobat ants is to locate and remove the nest. These ants often build nests in rotting wood, wall voids, or insulation.
Trimming tree branches and sealing gaps in your home’s exterior can reduce access points. Remember that DIY approaches may only offer short-term relief. For long-term protection and to address the root of the issue, our pest control technicians at Florida Pest can help develop a targeted plan that suits your property or business.
What Are Acrobat Ants?
Acrobat ants are a type of insect known for their distinctive posture. When threatened, they raise their heart-shaped abdomen above their head, which is how they earned their name. These ants are often found outdoors but can move indoors through small cracks, looking for food or moisture. While they don’t usually damage wood like termites, they can live in decaying, compromised wood.
Why Are They Called Acrobat Ants?
They’re called acrobat ants because they raise their abdomen over their head when disturbed. This behavior makes them look like they’re performing a balancing act. It’s one of the easiest ways to tell them apart from other types of insects, especially when seen around woodpiles, trees, or your home.
Are Acrobat Ants Invasive?
Acrobat ants aren’t considered invasive species, but they can still be problematic when building a nest in or near your home. Once they gain access, they can move between walls and insulation, sometimes causing issues with electrical wiring by chewing on insulation. If you’re dealing with repeated sightings, it’s best to bring in a pest control expert to inspect and identify where they’re entering.
