Acrobat Ants in SE Louisiana and Mississippi
Acrobat ants are known to invade homes and businesses across Louisiana and Mississippi. When disturbed, workers raise their abdomen above their heads, looking like tiny gymnasts. Hence, the name acrobat ants. These ant pests typically construct nests in decaying or rotting wood. Acrobat ants practice mutualism, which means they tend aphids and feed on the honeydew that the aphids produce. Their presence, whether indoors or outdoors, indicates decaying wood.
Acrobat Ant Habitat
When nesting outdoors acrobat ants prefer to live in trees. They sometimes take over a single tree, however, large colonies can spread to neighboring trees. Acrobat ants eat sugary substances, proteins, and dead insects. When found nesting in a home, these ants infest damp or rotting wood, often around windows and drain spouts. Entering homes through small cracks and crevices, electrical lines, and tree limbs, acrobat ants can become a real nuisance. When foraging for food, these ant pests prefer kitchen cabinets and pantries.
Acrobat Ant Behaviors, Threats or Dangers
Worker acrobat ants have been known to bite aggressively and release an offensive odor when disturbed. Mild reactions are common and may last from a few hours to a few days. However, acrobat ants pose a real threat to structures and can create safety risks. They construct nests in woodwork and insulation, and due to their ability to strip the insulation off of wires, they can cause short circuits, creating a fire hazard. If an acrobat ant infestation is suspected, it is recommended to contact a professional ant exterminator.
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