Who will win?
Residents throughout the Austin area and southeast Texas have grown accustomed to the problems that are associated with fire ants, most notably their notorious stinging bite. However, recent research indicates that a newer invasive species commonly referred to as the “crazy ant” is currently locked in a struggle for superiority with fire ants. In fact, entomologists believe that crazy ants might eventually win this territorial fight, and this isn’t as positive of a possibility as some people might believe.
What Is a Crazy Ant?
The scientific name for crazy ants is Paratrechina longicornis, and some Texas residents refer to them as Raspberry crazy ants. This invasive species originated in South America just like fire ants, and these pests have an unusual defense mechanism against their natural enemy. Fire ants typically spray venom to defend themselves against other ants and bugs, but this venom doesn’t usually kill crazy ants. Instead, a group of crazy ants can take on fire ants without accruing very many casualties, and this makes it relatively easy for them to push the fire ants out of their chosen territory. In South America, fire ants and crazy ants have other natural predators that help keep their numbers in check, but none of these species exist in our ecosystem.
Which Ant Is Worse for Homeowners?
On the surface, people might assume that crazy ants are safer because they don’t transmit venom by biting humans. However, crazy ants are actually a very destructive invasive species that can cause a lot of damage to your home. For example, they tend to swarm into electrical boxes, which can play havoc with your home’s electrical system. Additionally, they attack beneficial animals and insects such as honeybees and ladybugs, and they’re also known to go after ground-dwelling fowl and baby songbirds.
How Can I Deal With Crazy Ants?
Crazy ants are not typically impacted by the use of over-the-counter insecticides, so it’s critical to contact a pest control company to stop them from taking over your property. After all, failure to take action can lead to a massive infestation and an extremely expensive repair bill for your electrical system. If you believe that you have crazy ants on your Austin-area property, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services at (512) 827-9500 to schedule an appointment with our professional pest control specialists.