ACROBAT ANT CONTROL BUCKS COUNTY PA
Although their name makes them sound like they should be circus performers, people are not typically happy to encounter acrobat ants in their Bucks County homes and businesses. This nuisance species of pest gets its name from its unusual ability to raise its abdomen over its head, a practice that it commonly exhibits when alarmed.
While this species may be found across the U.S., this does not mean that people have to live with these invaders. The most efficient way to end an infestation is through the services of a qualified pest management professional.
WHAT DO ACROBAT ANTS LOOK LIKE?
Acrobat ants are insects, which means that they have six legs. A pair of antennae is found on their heads. These antennae are divided into 11 segments and have a club that includes three segments. The average worker is approximately one-eighth of an inch long, though queens of the species may measure as much as three-eighths of an inch. Coloration among acrobat ants can vary. Seeing individuals exhibiting colors from light brown to black is common, and many members of the species are multicolored. Segmented bodies with heart-shaped abdomens are among this species' most distinguishing characteristics.
WHAT DO ACROBAT ANTS EAT?
Like many other ant species, these insects are drawn to items that contain protein or sugar. Aphids and mealybugs excrete a sugary waste product called honeydew that acrobat ants consume. Protein may be obtained from the bodies of living or dead insects, with termite swarmers being a favorite.
When acrobat ants make their way indoors, they will seek out and consume any foods that contain sugars or protein. Fruits and vegetables that are stored on tables or countertops may be targeted first. Additionally, any baked goods, sauces, peanut butter, jam, honey, syrup or condiments will be consumed. Pet food frequently is eaten by acrobat ants when it is kept accessible outside of meal times.
WHERE DO ACROBAT ANTS LIVE?
Acrobat ants are highly adaptable when it comes to choosing a nesting site for the colony. In nature, their nests may be found beneath a rock or in a log. Piles of firewood and diseased trees are other likely nesting locations because the decaying wood makes it possible for the species to easily create tunnels. If the acrobat ant colony discovers a cavity that was hollowed out by another pest like termites or carpenter ants, they will use this as a nest as well.
Acrobat ants are fairly determined about entering human habitations. They may enter homes through cracks around doors and windows or by using the limbs of a tree or plant that touch the exterior of the building. Utility lines that stretch through structural openings also provide helpful access points to buildings.
After getting indoors, the acrobat ants look for wall voids that will work for nesting. They also will look for any wood in the structure where fungi and moisture are causing decay. These are the same conditions that are sought after by destructive carpenter ants. In fact, acrobat ants look for previous damage caused by wood-boring insects because these can easily be used as nests. The Styrofoam insulation panels that are placed behind siding also provide likely nesting sites for acrobat ants.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ACROBAT ANTS
While acrobat ants do not bore into wood the way that termites and carpenter ants do, they will use the galleries that these other insects have created. Acrobat ants will clean galleries, pushing out dirt, sawdust and debris, which can cause some people to suspect that they have a termite infestation.
However, acrobat ants are more likely to cause damage to electrical and telephone wires by stripping away their insulation. This can cause short circuits in these systems.
ARE ACROBAT ANTS AGGRESSIVE?
In general, this species does not act with aggression when they encounter people and pets. However, if someone accidentally disturbs a nest of acrobat ants, then they may suffer multiple bites, which is an uncomfortable prospect.
DO ACROBAT ANTS CARRY DISEASE?
Unlike mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and rodents, acrobat ants are not known to transmit illnesses to people that they bite or with whom they come into contact. Nonetheless, the do remain a threat to health.
This is because ants frequently transport a variety of food-borne illnesses. The most serious of these is salmonella.
Once they have reached the inside of a home or office, acrobat ants will search everywhere for food and water sources. This can include going into garbage cans, toilets, drains and sinks. Even when these items are frequently cleaned, they still may contain harmful bacteria. As the ants travel in and out of these items and to other places in your home, they spread that bacteria.
Additionally, ants carry all sorts of food-borne illnesses with them that they picked up outside of the home. These illnesses may include staph, E. coli, strep, clostridium, Shigella and others. If ants are able to gain access to food in the cupboard or pantry or food that is sitting on the counter, they immediately deposit these contaminants onto the food.
Cross contamination is always a risk in a place where an ant infestation is underway. The elderly, young children and people with suppressed immune systems are most likely to be seriously affected by these problems.
Keep in mind as well that some people have allergic reactions to the bite of the acrobat ant. Itching, burning and swelling are common symptoms, and some people may be susceptible to skin infections such as cellulitis.
HOW TO DETECT ACROBAT ANTS
Indications of an acrobat ant issue include:
• Lines of ants spotted on wires or utility lines
• Lines of ants around the base of foundations
• Small piles of dirt, sand and sawdust
• Bits of foam insulation deposited around the foundation
• Moisture damage to the structure
• Fungal or mold growth
HOW TO PREVENT ACROBAT ANTS
To help prevent acrobat ant issues, the following steps should be taken:
• Look for and repair all moisture damage and peeling paint
• Address issues with mold or fungal growth
• Fix any water leaks
• Seal possible entry points with caulk and weather stripping
• Eliminate standing water
• Prevent limbs and foliage from touching building exteriors
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from structures
HOW TO TREAT FOR ANTS
Ants are the number one pest control issue and can prove virtually impossible for home and business owners to solve on their own. Ending an ant infestation typically requires proper ant identification, locating and destroying the nest or colony, as well as the use and application of specialized products.
As such, it is not advisable for property owners to attempt to eradicate an ant infestation without assistance from a professional pest control provider.
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