Identification
Crazy ants are small, measuring about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length. They have long legs, a slender body, and are dark brown to black in color. Their antennae are long and have 12 segments with no club. They move erratically in unpredictable patterns, giving them their name.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Crazy ants undergo complete metamorphosis, developing through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Queens lay small clusters of eggs, which hatch within 2 to 4 weeks. Workers live for several months, while queens can survive for years. Colonies grow quickly and often split into multiple nests.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
Crazy ants are omnivorous, feeding on sugary substances, proteins, and insects. They do not follow typical ant trails and instead move chaotically. They are highly adaptable and can nest in both dry and moist environments.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
Crazy ants are found in a variety of locations, including:
- Electrical equipment and wiring
- Inside homes, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms
- Near trash bins and food storage areas
- Under logs, stones, and debris outdoors
- In potted plants and garden beds
Threats & Danger
Crazy ants do not sting, but they can bite. They pose a major threat to electrical systems, as they are attracted to circuits and can cause short circuits and equipment failure. Their erratic movement makes them difficult to control, and large infestations can overwhelm homes and businesses.
Prevention
- Seal cracks and entry points around buildings
- Keep food stored in airtight containers and clean up spills
- Eliminate standing water and moisture sources
- Trim vegetation away from structures to reduce nesting sites
- Use baiting systems to prevent colony expansion
Signs of Infestation
- Erratically moving ants in kitchens, bathrooms, and around food
- Presence of ants in electrical outlets and equipment
- Large numbers of ants clustering in warm, moist areas
- Nests in hidden, cluttered spaces indoors and outdoors
- Sudden electrical malfunctions due to ant activity
How to Get Rid of It
- Use non-repellent bait stations to target the entire colony
- Apply residual insecticides to entry points and nesting sites
- Remove food sources and maintain cleanliness indoors
- Use diatomaceous earth or boric acid for natural control
- Contact professional pest control for severe infestations