Most ants that are found in Newtown are black or brown and quite small. One looks a great deal like another, even when each one belongs to a distinct species.
The citronella ant is different because they are a yellowish color rather than black or brown. If one of the ants happens to get crushed, they give off a smell that is reminiscent of lemons or other citrus fruits. Thanks to these two characteristics, it is fairly easy to determine if this species is infesting a building as opposed to another ant species.
Are citronella ants a huge issue when they come indoors? Unlike other ants, they are less likely to infest food that is meant for people or pets to eat. Nonetheless, no one wants to share the space in which they live or work with uninvited guests.
Frequently, the first sign that citronella ants are present is a swarm of reproductive ants. These pests fly in swarms during the warm summer months. If such a swarm occurs inside a building or adjacent to it, this is a certain sign that an infestation is ongoing. The problem is that once it has begun, such an infestation is really difficult to bring under control.
The easiest and most certain way to evict citronella ants for good is to hire an exterminator for the job. These professional pest control technicians have access to commercial strength chemicals and the latest and most effective equipment. Thanks to their knowledge and abilities, pest control technicians are able to guarantee results.
WHAT DO
CITRONELLA
ANTS LOOK LIKE?
With their yellow coloration, exterminators have no difficult differentiating citronella ants from other species. It is the colony's workers that are most likely to be seen outside of the nest or even inside a building. Full-grown adults measure just four millimeters long. A pedicel connects the thorax to the abdomen, and the antennae are comprised of 12 segments.
The swarming reproductive members of the colony are larger than the workers. Although they frequently are yellow, some individuals may be more of a light brown shade. Reproductive citronella ants also have translucent wings that are gray. Females shed these wings after mating.
WHERE DO
CITRONELLA
ANTS LIVE?
In Newtown and elsewhere, citronella ants require a humid environment in order to survive. Accordingly, they are most frequently found underground, as are their nests. Fields and forests are natural habitat for them, but colonies may become established in less appropriate places. It is not unusual to find these pests nesting in garden soil or lawns. Sometimes, these nests are placed adjacent to the foundation of a building, and the workers may begin foraging indoors for possible food sources.
Man-made structures are reliable sources of heat, and this certainly attracts citronella ants. In fact, living in close proximity to a building may support some unnatural success as the artificial heat source may lead to spring or even fall swarming.
WHAT DO
CITRONELLA
ANTS EAT?
Citronella ant colonies survive on just one substance: honeydew. This nutritive item is produced by certain underground-dwelling insects like aphids and mealybugs. Because citronella ants tend to live most of their lives underground, this is the ideal food source.
Honeydew is quite sweet, and as summer turns into fall, the citronella ant's access to honeydew may become limited as other insects die. Thus, it is somewhat more likely to find citronella ants indoors as the weather cools as they seek alternative food sources. Of course, citronella ants still may invade at any time, especially if a building is not pest-proof and sweet foods are readily obtainable.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY CITRONELLA ANTS
Most exterminators categorize citronella ants as nuisance pests. This means that they generally do not cause significant structural damage, nor are they especially likely to make people ill. Still, citronella ants do sometimes construct indoor nests. These frequently are located where there is a water leak or existing water damage. Having a nest in these already fragile areas can cause more damage.
Additionally, it is worth noting that if citronella ants have found their way indoors, then it is possible for other pests to do so. Some of those pests, like termites and carpenter ants, may not be so forgiving toward structural integrity.
ARE
CITRONELLA
ANTS AGGRESSIVE?
Given their largely underground lifestyle, it is relatively unusual for people to see citronella ants. These ants are quite small and will not attack people. Nonetheless, seeing a large swarm of flying citronella ants can be alarming for any property owner.
DO
CITRONELLA
ANTS CARRY DISEASE?
Many ant species are recognized for their appetite for human foods. This is not so much the case with citronella ants, though they will infest food if it is convenient and access to more preferred food sources is limited. Accordingly, it is possible for a citronella ant infestation to cause occurrences of food poisoning.
One of the defining characteristics of this species is its distinctive citrus scent. Most noticeable after an insect has been crushed, it is not unusual for people to be bothered by this smell. However, there are individuals who may experience an allergic reaction when they are exposed to the chemical that is responsible for this smell.
HOW TO DETECT
CITRONELLA
ANTS
Signs of an acrobat presence include:
• Swarms of yellowish ants, particularly in the warmer months • Lawns and gardens show evidence of earthen mounds • Foundations and paved surfaces are dotted with small piles of sandy soil
HOW TO PREVENT
CITRONELLA
ANTS
To help prevent an acrobat issue the following steps should be taken:
• Use pest-proof storage containers for food • Refrain from storing food on counters or tables • Keep doors and windows closed • If doors or windows are opened, ensure that good screens are in place • Have weather stripping or seals placed on all windows and exterior doors • Eliminate foundation cracks • Ensure that the openings around utility lines and plumbing pipes are sealed
HOW WE TREAT FOR
CITRONELLA
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.
