Crazy Ants: What do these invasive pests do?

Crazy Ants, more particularly the Rasberry crazy ants which were first discovered in Houston, Texas in 2002, have spread in other parts of Texas as well as in some areas in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana, according to recent reports.

Rasberry crazy ants, which belong to a new exotic invasive pest ant species, are said to cause great annoyance to residents and businesses. Because one multi-queen colony can number in the millions, ants can blanket the ground and trees, creating uncomfortable situations that prevent residents from enjoying time outdoors. Pets and livestock may avoid the area due to the constantly crawling crazy ants.

Rasberry crazy ants have been found accumulating by the thousands in electrical equipment, causing short circuits and equipment failure. In some documented cases, the ants have caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage and remedial costs. Critical electrical and computer systems in traffic signals, businesses, schools, hospitals and airports could be affected.

Wildlife such as nesting songbirds is irritated by the Rasberry crazy ants. Masses of crazy ants covering the ground and trees likely affect ground and tree-nesting birds and other small animals and cause wildlife to move out of the area.

The ants are even displacing red imported fire ants in areas of heavy infestation. However, after experiencing the Rasberry crazy ant, most residents prefer the fire ant.

A related species of crazy ant has been a serious pest in South America, reportedly displacing all other ant species. In addition, the South American crazy ant pest caused chickens to die of asphyxia due to ants obstructing their nasal passages. Larger animals, such as cattle, have been attacked around the eyes, nasal area and hooves.

Do they sting?

Although these ants do not have stingers, worker ants possess a structure called an acidopore on the end of their abdomen which can excrete chemicals for defense or attack. The Rasberry crazy ants are capable of biting, and their bite causes a relatively sharp pain that quickly fades.

Controlling Rasberry Crazy Ants

For methods of control of Rasberry crazy ants you can read on this fact sheet provided by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service: http://urbanentomology.tamu.edu/pdf/RCA_control_fact_sheet.pdf

Source: http://urbanentomology.tamu.edu/