Acrobat ants are a common sight in Texas. But do these small creatures pose a threat? While they may not sting, their bites can be irritating and even painful.
Why is it important to understand which ants might pose a risk? Keep reading to get the full picture.
Key Takeaways
- Acrobat ants can bite to defend themselves but don’t have a stinger like other ant species.
- These ants can damage your home by chewing through wood, nesting in wall spaces, and stripping insulation from electrical wires.
- Identifying and treating acrobat ant infestations involves using traps, baits, and fixing leaks.
- Sealing cracks, removing old wood, and reducing aphids can prevent future infestations, but professional help might be needed for big problems.
Do Acrobat Ants Sting?
Acrobat ants do not possess a stinger like some other ant species. Instead of stinging, they rely on other defense mechanisms to protect themselves and their colonies.
What About Biting? Do Acrobat Ants Bite?
Yes, acrobat ants can bite. While they lack a stinger, they defend themselves and their nests by biting potential threats. Their bites are less painful than those of fire ants or carpenter ants, but they might still cause minor irritation or discomfort.
These ants might also release a foul-smelling substance to ward off predators, adding another layer to their defense tactics. Biting and emitting a deterrent helps them survive without needing a stinger.
What Damage Can Acrobat Ants Cause?
Acrobat ants can cause significant damage when they invade homes and buildings. To understand the potential extent of the issues, take these factors into account:
| Areas | Damage |
|---|---|
| Woodwork | Chew through soft and decaying wood |
| Wall Voids | Nest and create voids within walls |
| Home’s Foundation | Weaken foundational structures |
| Electrical Components | Strip wire insulation, causing shorts |
What to Do If You Have an Acrobat Ant Infestation
As homeowners, you can effectively deal with an acrobat ant infestation comprehensively and practically. Here’s what you must do when they’re taking over your home:
- Identify the presence of acrobat ants (Crematogaster sp.). Look for features like a heart-shaped abdomen, segmented antennae, or rounded thorax.
- Locate the source. Acrobat ant nests are often in moist areas or decayed wood. Check for leaks and repair them to prevent further issues.
- Place ant traps or baits near the nesting sites. Baits can be more effective than other methods since these can poison the entire acrobat ant colony.
- If needed, use commercial ant control products. Apply them around the perimeter of your home.
- Clean up spills, store food in sealed containers, and fix leaks. Ants are attracted to mealybugs and honeydew-producing insects.
- Check regularly for signs of recurrence. Acrobat ants can re-infest homes, so ongoing vigilance is helpful.
How to Prevent Future Acrobat Ant Infestations
Careful home maintenance goes a long way in preventing acrobat ant infestations. Consider these strategies to keep them away from your yard:
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulk.
- Remove old stumps from your yard.
- Inspect your home for signs of rotting wood, especially if it’s light brown.
- Repair or replace damaged wood.
- Check pantries for unsealed food sources that may attract ants.
- Reduce aphid populations that produce honeydew.
- Remove nesting materials like dead insects, woodpiles, or debris.
- Check for signs of ant nests or swarmers (reproductives) at potential entry points.
Hire Professional Pest Control Services
Sometimes, help from ant exterminators is necessary. Contacting a pest control company for pest management ensures thorough treatment, especially if faced with a significant problem. We have the expertise to deal with acrobat ants, other ant pests, and related household pests, including termites and wasps.
When it comes to acrobat ant infestations, peace of mind is invaluable, especially when they are a recurrent problem. Give our team a call (866)-693-8495 to receive a free quote.
