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Crazy Ant, Paratrechina longicornis
Biology
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Characteristics
- Coloration: grayish black
- Body 1/8 inch in length (monomorphic)
- Body has numerous long coarse hairs
- Workers have long legs and antennae
- Workers have 12-segmented antennae with no club
- Small circle of hair present at tip of the abdomen
The life history of this species is poorly known. Crazy ant colonies tend to be small to moderately sized, containing as many as 2,000 workers and 40 queens. Mating flights have not been observed; colonies possibly split and form new colonies by budding. Crazy ants are highly adaptable in their nesting habits and can live in habitats that are very dry or relatively moist. Colonies are highly mobile and relocate when conditions become unfavorable. Outside, they nest in rotten wood, fallen tree limbs and logs, tree stumps, under stones, bricks and lumber. They often are found in the soil of potted plants. Numerous colonies may be found around plant roots in mulched plant beds. Queens, brood and attending worker ants often are found in curled leaves littering these plant beds. Inside, crazy ants often nest in wall voids and beneath floors, particularly near hot-water pipes and heaters.
Distribution
This is an introduced species thought to be of African or Oriental origin. It has been spread around the world through commerce. The crazy ant, Paratrechina longiconis is well established in the southeastern United States. It occurs from South Carolina to Florida, west to Texas, where it is prevalent in towns and cities. It commonly occurs in California. Its distribution is sporadic in inland and northern areas, where it can only survive indoors. Colonies are highly mobile and relocate when conditions become unfavorable. Crazy ants are highly adaptable in their nesting habits and can live in habitats that are very dry or relatively moist. Outside, they nest in rotten wood, fallen tree limbs and logs, tree stumps, trash and litter, and soil under objects such as stones, bricks, and lumber. They are often found in the soil of potted plants and in mulched plant beds.
Management
Crazy ants are difficult to eradicate from structures. When colonies are eliminated, new ones often invade the treated area very quickly. It is crucial to locate all nests, and surveys should be made inside and outside the structure. Colonies living indoors can be treated by applying insecticide dusts to nest sites or foraging trails. Cracks and crevices around baseboards can be treated by injecting insecticide dusts or an aerosol. Crazy ant nests located outside can be drenched with a residual insecticide by using a compressed air sprayer. Where these ants are numerous outdoors, a perimeter treatment with a residual insecticide repels foraging workers and prevents them from reinfesting the structure. Granular formulations work well for this type of ant.