What do acrobat ants look like?
Acrobat ants range in color from light brown to black, are about an eighth of an inch long on average and are equipped with stingers.
Why are acrobat ants in my house?
If you find acrobat ants in your house, they likely found their way inside while searching for food and potential nesting sites via cracks, gaps, and other openings on the outside of the home.
Where do acrobat ants nest?
In their natural environment, acrobat ants often nest under stones, in stumps and rotting logs, and under woodpiles. Inside homes and other structures, this species of ant tends to nest in wall voids, foam insulating boards, behind siding, and in wood that has been compromised by water damage.
Are acrobat ants dangerous?
Although acrobat ants have stingers, they don’t usually sting and if they do, the pain is typically short lived. They are not considered a health threat.
What kind of damage can acrobat ants cause?
Unlike carpenter ants that are capable of causing structural damage to homes and buildings when they infest, acrobat ants do not typically damage wood, but they may strip electrical and telephone wires, which cause short circuits.
How can I tell if I have an acrobat ant problem?
If you’re concerned that you may have an acrobat ant problem, look for the following warning signs:
- The presence of live acrobat ants
- Ant trails leading into homes, especially on wires, utility lines, and pipes
- Nest debris (i.e., wood scraps, foam insulation, dirt, or dead insects)
Property owners should also keep an eye out for moisture damage as it attracts acrobat ants and other pests.
How do I get rid of acrobat ants?
Although some homeowners may try eliminating acrobat ants with essential oils and other non-toxic approaches or with products purchased at the store or online, the best way to exterminate acrobat ants is to contact a pest control company.
At Greenway Pest Solutions, we offer pest control services in Phoenix and throughout our Arizona service area that are designed to get rid of acrobat ants. What’s more, when you sign up for ongoing home pest control services, we’ll make sure these pests don’t have a chance to re-infest.
How can I prevent acrobat ants?
To prevent acrobat ants from infesting, our pest control specialists recommend the following prevention tips:
- Seal off cracks, gaps, and openings that could serve as entry points
- Replace water damaged wood
- Address moisture issues
- Trim back tree branches
- Store firewood away from the house and off the ground
- Remove leaves and other organic debris that accumulates near your structure or in your yard
- Remove grease and other build-up that accumulate on your oven and other kitchen appliances
- Disinfect kitchen counters and other surfaces regularly
- Wipe up crumbs and spills right away
- Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight
