Tawny Crazy Ants in the South

Tawny Crazy Ant, An Aggressive Ant Species, Marches Through South

Source

Photo courtesy Joe A. MacGown/Mississippi Entomological MuseumSource

Fire ants have long been a threat in the southern United States, but another aggressive ant species known as the tawny crazy ant is taking over in many areas of the region. These ants can invade structures in extraordinary numbers and Northwest Exterminating wants to advise homeowners to take preventative steps to protect their properties from infestations.

Unlike fire ants, tawny crazy ants don’t sting, but they can become a nuisance once inside. They are highly adaptable, nest everywhere and are even known to damage electrical equipment, so it is important for homeowners to take steps to curb their activity.

Crazy ants enter homes in the autumn or after rainfall because both conditions reduce their supply of honeydew. Once inside, crazy ants usually nest underneath floors or in wall voids. Outdoors, their nests are commonly found in soil under objects or next to foundations.

To prevent crazy ants from gaining access to a structure, experts at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommend the following tips:

  • Trim vegetation away from the home to prevent pathways inside.
  • Seal all cracks and crevices on the outside of the home, including around doors and windows.
  • Clean up food spills and other potential attractants as soon as possible.
  • If an infestation is suspected, contact a licensed pest professional to treat the problem.

SOURCE: PPMA

Another New Ant Species Found in Georgia

Photo - Dr. Danny McDonald - Sam Houston State University

Photo – Dr. Danny McDonald – Sam Houston State University

Earlier this week we posted about ghost ants that had invaded a man’s recently purchased truck.  This was the first documented case of ghost ants in Georgia.  Today, we have news of the tawny crazy ant that has now been identified in Georgia.

University of Georgia Extension agent, James Morgan, found tawny crazy ants in an assisted living facility in Dougherty County.  Thousands of ants were found dead in a corner and more located on the outside of the building.

Morgan knew these ants were a different species than the ones he’s used to identifying in Georgia.  “They’re reddish in color, very tiny, and they run around and scurry really fast.  And they don’t march in a straight row like Argentine ants,” said Morgan.  So he sent them off to be examined by a UGA entomologist and were later confirmed as tawny crazy ants by Joe MacGown at the Mississippi Entomological Museum.

Tawny crazy ants are classified as a nuisance pest.  They invade in masses and are attracted to electrical sources such as computers, electrical boxes, etc.

To read the entire article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle click HERE.

Source: Tawny crazy ants found in Georgia | Atlanta Business Chronicle

The Tawny Crazy Ant | NPMA

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