Acrobat Ant

Scientific Name : Crematogaster

Length : 2.6 to 3.2 mm long

Colour : Light brown to black, sometimes multicolour

Sounds : Crackling

Digestive Tract : Yes

What is an Acrobat Ant?

Acrobat ants derive their common name from their ability to lift their abdomen acrobatically above their thorax and head, especially when disturbed. Acrobat bees are nothing more than a minor annoyance relative to other ant-species. Nonetheless, sometimes acrobat ants can bite when their colony is disturbed. There are numerous species found in the United States of this light brown to black ant, even at altitudes up to 8,000 feet high.

Signs of an Infestation

The most noticeable indication of an acrobat ant infestation is the presence of real ant trails in walls on cables, power lines and pipes. Occasionally, Acrobat ants can forage for resources up to 100 feet from their nest, so you may be able to see them trailing around the foundation searching for food. In addition, debris such as soil and wood scraps deposited by acrobat ants when excavating their nests may serve as another tell-tale sign of an infestation. If the home has a siding, look for bits of foam insulation behind the siding, which may suggest an acrobat ant nest.

Threats

When threatened, the Acrobat ants can bite. For certain animals, when disturbed, workers can emit an unpleasant scent.

These ants can present a danger to property, too. Occasionally, acrobatic ants strip electrical or telephone wires from the insulation, which can cause short circuits

Acrobat Ants Prevention

There are several methods that can be used to keep ants from being acrobated. In the first place, for obvious signs of an acrobat ant infestation as mentioned above, it is important to keep a close eye on the outside of the house. Seal all potential entry points with a silicone-based caulk on the exterior of the home too, paying particular attention to gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines. Eliminate standing water sources and divert water away from the base of the house with proper downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks functioning properly. In addition, keep tree branches and shrubbery trimmed away from the house to avoid acrobat ants from reaching the property. Finally, store wood for fire at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches off the ground.