Scientific name: Crematogaster
Acrobat ants vary in color from light red to brown to black. They are small ants, roughly the length of a grain of rice. You can tell it’s an acrobat ant by its behavior. When threatened, the ant will lift its abdomen over its thorax. Be careful though, because when the acrobat ant is disturbed it can emit a foul odor. It is easy to get them confused with pavement ants, but when viewed from above, you will notice that an acrobat ant’s abdomen is shaped like a heart.
General Information
There is not a lot known about the colony of the acrobat ant. Speculations about colony sizes range from a couple thousand to tens of thousands. Acrobat ants are opportunistic nest builders. If they can find an empty termite or carpenter ant colony they will move in. These ants have even been found in trees where wood boring beetles have caused damage. Wood that has been damaged by moisture is their prime choice for a colony site. Infestations in homes can occur anywhere there is water damage, such as; windowsills, skylights, and around leaky pipes. Their favorite foods are anything containing protein or sugar.
Signs of an Infestation
The first sign of an acrobat infestation are the debris piles. When acrobat ants move into an old termite or carpenter ant colony, they begin an intensive clean out. They remove any debris and dead insects. This creates debris piles around infested wood. Acrobat ant infestation can easily be confused since debris piles are also the signs of termites and carpenter ants. Another sign of an infestation is the ant itself. Acrobat ants make lines when out on their foraging raids.
Treatment
No matter what type of pest is infestation your home, Pointe Pest Control is your solution. Our technicians understand acrobat ants. We understand the specific treatment options associated with this species. When you call Pointe Pest Control you are getting the best in acrobat ant control. Give us a call today.