Small yellow ants that give off a curious odor when they are crushed are called citronella ants. Mainly considered a nuisance species, citronella ant infestations can be extremely difficult to control when they begin inhabiting a Yardley home or business. This is because bug sprays and similar treatments are only partially effective. To really stop the spread of these ants, it is essential that the nest be destroyed.
Finding the nest can be difficult. Citronella ants spend much of their time underground, and this means that their presence in yards or adjacent to buildings frequently is overlooked. That changes when winged reproductive members of the colony begin swarming or when the ants start showing up in various rooms of the house. Suddenly, their presence is impossible to ignore, and their pungent odor can be overwhelming.
People who suspect that citronella ants have made their way indoors usually want a quick solution to the problem. Unfortunately, an insect spray is not the answer. The better solution by far is to work with a licensed pest management professional who can ensure that the ants' nest is destroyed, that pests can no longer access the building and that the mess left behind by the ants is thoroughly cleaned up.
WHAT DO
CITRONELLA
ANTS LOOK LIKE?
Most ant species are either brown or black, but the citronella ant differentiates itself because of its yellow coloring. Actually, there are two citronella ant species, the larger and the smaller. The larger of these is the one that is most likely to be found infesting homes in the region.
Workers are the most numerous colony members, and they sometimes may be seen by homeowners, though this is relatively unusual. Typical adults may grow to about four millimeters in length. A single node on the pedicel connects the thorax to the abdomen. Citronella ants have 12-segmented antennae, and it is possible to see sparse hair on the body when observed under magnification.
The other colony members that people are more likely to see are the swarmers. These insects have wings that are a smoky, translucent color. Usually pale yellow or a light brown, the swarmers fly into the air late in the summer to mate before establishing a new citronella ant colony.
WHERE DO
CITRONELLA
ANTS ANTS LIVE?
Citronella ants are well adapted to spend their lives underground. Consequently, this also is where they build their nests. Common locations to find such nests include fallen trees, pastures and forests. However, a colony may build its nest in flower beds or lawns or right next to a concrete slab or foundation.
When citronella ant colonies live so close to man-made structures, their life cycle can be affected by the heat generated by these buildings. Accordingly, people living adjacent to citronella ant nests may be bothered by out-of-season swarms in the fall or spring.
People who see a mound of soil outside of a small opening in the ground likely have a citronella ant colony living in their yard. Nesting inside homes is rare, and this species does not need to come indoors to feed. Instead, people are more likely to find citronella ants inside their home when the insects are swarming. Usually, this only occurs when the nest is located right next to the structure. If the ants do build an indoor nest, it likely will be located in a crawl space or basement that has condensation or other moisture problems.
WHAT DO
CITRONELLA
ANTS EAT?
While some ants eat a varied diet of protein and sugar, the citronella ant restricts itself almost exclusively to honeydew. This sweet substance is left behind by aphids, mealybugs and other insects that typically eat the roots of various plants. Honeydew is most frequently gathered beneath the surface of the soil, which helps citronella ants to escape human notice.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
CITRONELLA
ANTS
Most people do not report any property damage associated with a citronella ant infestation. However, if the insects have gotten inside, this suggests that the home's exterior is not well sealed against pests of all descriptions.
In general, citronella ants are considered nuisance pests, but it is wise to have an infestation addressed by a professional to prevent further problems.
ARE
CITRONELLA
ANTS AGGRESSIVE?
Citronella ants have no reason to behave toward people with aggression. In fact, because they spend the vast majority of their lives underground, encounters are rare. The one exception to this is the swarmers, which may fly next to or inside a house. This behavior can seem aggressive and frightening, especially if it is completely unexpected and the homeowner does not know what kind of pest is invading.
DO
CITRONELLA
ANTS CARRY DISEASE?
Unlike other ant species that invade kitchens and contaminate food and surfaces, citronella ants generally are not responsible for causing food poisoning. Moreover, people rarely encounter these insects, so bites are infrequent and not serious when they do occur.
When citronella ants are frightened, or when they are crushed, they emit a distinctive lemon scent. This is their main defensive mechanism. Some people are allergic to this lemon-scented chemical and may have a reaction if it contacts their skin.
HOW TO DETECT
CITRONELLA
ANTS
Signs of a citronella ant problem include:
• Small accumulations of dirt around driveways or patios • Yellow insects swarming inside or adjacent to the home • Lawns or gardens that have earthen mounds
HOW TO PREVENT
CITRONELLA
ANTS
To help protect against citronella ants issues the following steps should be taken:
• Eliminate gaps around window and door frames • Ensure that all gaps and cracks in the foundation are sealed • Repair screens on windows and doors • Check around openings for utility lines and plumbing to ensure they are covered
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.
