Caribbean Crazy Ants

Caribbean Crazy Ants

Paratrechina pubens is a species of ant of the genus Paratrechina, commonly called the Caribbean crazy ant. These ants are about one-eighth inch long and are covered with reddish-brown hairs. The colonies have multiple queens. An infestation of this species, or a related species provisionally named Paratrechina species near pubens, is ongoing in and around Houston, Texas. Source: Wikipedia.com

Identification

Caribbean crazy ants are about one-eighth inch long and are covered with reddish-brown hairs. The colonies have multiple queens.

Environment

Crazy ants feed primarily on live and dead insects, seeds, fruits and honeydew. They are found throughout the U.S., but are confined to the indoors in the northern states because they cannot survive the winter outdoors. Caribbean crazy ants enter homes in the autumn or after rainfall because both conditions reduce their supply of honeydew.

Threats

Crazy ants feed primarily on live and dead insects, seeds, fruits and honeydew. They are found throughout the U.S., but are confined to the indoors in the northern states because they cannot survive the winter outdoors. Caribbean crazy ants enter homes in the autumn or after rainfall because both conditions reduce their supply of honeydew. Caribbean crazy ants do not pose a health threat, but if they gain entry to a structure, they can become a nuisance.

Treatment

To prevent Caribbean crazy ants, it is important to seal all possible points of entry around the house including small openings and cracks around doors and windows. Trim vegetation away from the home to prevent pathways inside. Food spills and other potential attractants should be cleaned up as soon as possible to avoid attracting crazy ants. If you are experiencing problems with Crazy Ants, call Island Environmental about our Home Shield interior protection plan to control and prevent Crazy Ant infestations.