I recently wrote an article about Rasberry Crazy ants, and how they are spreading throughout much of the state of United States. According to a report out of The University of Texas At Austin, the spreading of this invasive ant species has also lead to them driving out other species of ants, including the Red Imported Fire ants.
Fire Ants Driven Out By Rasberry Crazy Ants
If you live almost anywhere in the Southwest US, then you have likely become well acquainted with the Red Imported Fire ant. These ants are unmistakable, because of their very painful stings, and the massive mounds they build in your yard. Keep away from these mounds, or you’ll be sorry.
However, there is a new pest invader taking the place of the Fire ants. It’s an ant that some people hate even more than the Fire ant. The ant I am referring to is the Rasberry (not raspberry) Crazy ant.
According to a recent report, the “ecologically dominant” crazy ants are reducing the diversity and abundance of many ant species in Texas, and in other Southwest States, including the dreaded Fire ants. Scientists are seeing very few fire ants in areas heavily infested with Crazy ants because the ants outcompete for the necessary resources needed for survival. Essentially, they monopolize food sources and starve out other ant species.
Even in region of Texas where the Crazy ant population is less intense, Fire ant numbers were considerably reduced. Other ant species, particularly native species, were also eliminated or diminished.
What’s So Bad About Crazy Ants?
Many homeowners are becoming so fed up with the destructive Crazy ants, that they wish they had the stinging Fire ants back! This sentiment is primarily because of three different reasons.
1) Crazy ants infest in huge numbers. They quickly outnumber other species of ants because they multiply very rapidly. In fact, they can attain densities up to 100 times greater than all other species of ants in a single area combined. Some people even report having to sweep out the Crazy ants with a broom and dustpan daily… Dustpans full of ants!
2) The Crazy ants are very destructive. They go everywhere, invading homes and nesting inside your walls, attics, and crawlspaces. They are notorious for damaging electrical equipment by swarming inside appliances. These ants are drawn to electrical currents, chewing through electric wiring. These actions cause stop lights, air conditioners, and other electrical equipment to short circuit; resulting in expensive repairs.
3) Crazy ants are tough to eliminate. Since Crazy ants don’t eat the same poison baits as other ants do, they are very difficult to control. Pest control for fire ants differs greatly from pest control for crazy ants. http://blogpestcontrol.com/2013/03/pest-control-for-fire-ants/
Characteristics of Rasberry Crazy Ants
Rasberry Crazy ants measure about 1/8 of an inch long. They are a reddish-brown color, with long slender bodies and antennae. They are also covered in fine hairs or fuzz that makes them appear less glossy than other ant species.
The Rasberry Crazy ant was named after an exterminator, Tom Rasberry, who discovered the ant in nearby Houston. They are also referred to as tawny ants, or simply Crazy ants. They earned the nickname “crazy” because of their crazy, rapid, nonlinear movements.
Crazy ants, Fire ants, sugar ants, piss ants, whatever… no matter the type of ant, an ant control professional can help solve your ant problems. Call an ant exterminator today!