Description
Trap Jaw Ant Habits
This species is generally found in tropical areas, though they have been introduced to the Gulf Coast in the last decade. They are currently spreading throughout the Southern region of the United States. Trap jaw ant nests are typically found under dead wood or beneath forest floors. Trap jaw ants typically have small colonies with less than 200 total ants, and only one queen. They eat small insects, but will also eat sweet substances.
Problems with Trap Jaw Ants
The obvious problem is their bite, but trap jaw ants also have a painful stinger. If a nest is threatened, workers will immediately jump at the attacked, stinging and biting. Their stinger is not barbed, and can be used over and over again. Although their venom isn’t fatal, it can produce allergic reactions.
Prevention and Elimination of Trap Jaw Ants
Eliminating potential food sources by keeping your home or business clean is the first and best step of pest prevention. At-home pesticides generally only kill the ants you see, not the colonies themselves. If you’re having difficulty preventing trap jaw ants from returning or expanding their nests, it’s time to call a professional exterminator. Each species of ant can be radically different from the next, and to truly eliminate trap jaw ants, you need a specific pest control treatment plan. It’s always best to call a pest control professional when biting or stinging insects are involved, especially if you or others around you are sensitive to stinging insect venom.
