Active Seasons
Acrobat Ant Appearance and Size Facts
It is common to find acrobat ants nesting in Florida households. These ants are especially prone to infesting damp or rotting wood around windows and drain spouts. They can also make nests with moisture in wet foam boards or other areas. While acrobat ants may not cause significant problems to homes themselves, their presence often indicates water leaks or damaged wood. Acrobat ants will also commonly invade homes if the bushes and landscape are unmaintained, and the ants will find small entry points into the home while foraging for sweet foods.
When disturbed, acrobat ants lift their distinctive, heart-shaped gasters into the air in a defensive posture, resembling an acrobat balancing on their hands. Acrobat ants are tiny, with workers measuring about two to four mm long, while queens can reach up to seven millimeters long.
Identifying Acrobat Ants From Other Ants
Identifying acrobat ants from other ants, especially carpenter ants, can be challenging, but there are a few key characteristics to look out for. Acrobat ants are light brown to black, with some species having a reddish hue. They also have long, curved antennae that can help distinguish them from other ants. A proper identification guide or expert consultation with Hulett Environmental Services is always advisable for accurate identification and treatment.
During the warmest seasons, it’s not uncommon to also see winged acrobat ant swarmers. These are reproductive ants that leave their nests to start new colonies – hopefully not inside your home!
Behavior and Habitat of Acrobat Ants
Besides leaving unsightly ant trails, acrobat ants can cause several problems for homeowners. Abandoned acrobat ant nests can contain discarded eggs, dead ants, and other waste materials, creating a mess in your home. Acrobat ants also may damage food packaging and infest food storage areas, causing contamination and spoilage. Somewhat surprisingly, these ants can even create fire hazards by chewing off insulation and damaging electrical wiring.
Signs of Infestation of Acrobat Ants
Seeing many acrobat ants or acrobat ant swarmers in your home is a tell-sign sign of an infestation. These ants search several feet for food, making their presence noticeable. Ant trails on wires, utility lines, and pipes are also telltale signs. As they excavate their nests, acrobat ants throw out a pile of nest debris, which indicates a well-established colony; this debris may be first noticeable as you’re cleaning hard-to-see areas of your home.
Tips for Prevention of Acrobat Ants
Maintaining a pest-free environment is crucial for getting rid of Acrobat Ants. You need to address moisture issues since Acrobat Ants prefer moist environments. Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and ensure proper drainage to prevent them. Seal windows, doors, and foundations to eliminate entry points.
You should keep the kitchen and other areas likely to have crumbs and food or liquid spills clean. Trim tree branches and plants away from the house to discourage ants from crawling near the side of your home. Along with these steps, regular pest inspections and preventive treatments can help reduce the risk of acrobat ant infestations.
Getting Rid of Acrobat Ants
With the right approach, you can get rid of acrobat ants and prevent them from re-entering your home. However, doing this can be tricky, since these pests are notoriously hard to control. Fortunately, the team at Hulett Environmental Services has the expertise to help identify and treat ant infestations and help you prevent them from reoccurring.
Effective Acrobat Ant Control Solutions
For effective acrobat ant treatment, Hulett Environmental Services is a trusted pest control company that can help homeowners tackle their ant issues. With their expertise and experience in green pest control, Hulett technicians provide comprehensive ant control services, including identifying, treating, and preventing acrobat ant infestations.
By implementing preventive measures, such as good sanitation practices and reducing moisture levels, Hulett ensures that acrobat ants don’t make a return. Our approach involves locating and treating existing trails and nests to prevent future infestations. Trust us for reliable and efficient acrobat ant control, and just call Hullet!
Acrobat Ant Gallery
