Crematogaster spp.
Characteristics –
Size: Ranges
from 1/8-inch to more than 1/4-inch in length. The most
commonly encountered species are found at the smaller
end of this size scale.
Color: Ranges
from black to dark brown to red and black. The smaller
species are typically uniformly dark in color. A larger
species, common in Texas, is red and black.
Acrobat ants are identifiable by the heart shape
of their abdomen when viewed from above.
Behavior –
When
excited or disturbed, the acrobat ant workers run about
with their abdomens held high above their heads. Like
most ants, acrobat ants establish well-defined trails
between the nest and food and water sources. They feed
on a wide variety of foods, but the workers are partial
to the sweet honeydew produced by aphids, scales, and mealy bugs
found feeding on many trees and plants. Fruit
trees, roses, and many shrubs serve as hosts for aphids
and may contribute to ant infestations in homes and
other buildings. Most infestations inside are the result
of workers searching for food.
Habitat –
Acrobat ants are like carpenter ants in that they prefer
to nest in moist or rotted wood. Colonies are most often
found in tree holes, dead limbs, stumps, and logs.
Rotting areas in fences, decks, and railings may also be
nesting locations. Most infestations of acrobat ants
originate from outdoor nests; however, if moist or
rotted wood exists inside due to water leaks, this ant
will readily nest indoors. Such interior nests are
typically found around the perimeter -- in soffits, door
frames, and skylights.
Tips
for Control – Acrobat ants are controlled
by finding and treating wood where the ant colonies are
located. Often, the nest may be located far above the
ground in a tree where it is inaccessible to direct
treatment. In such cases, limiting interior invasion of
ant trails is critical. Repairing water leaks and drying
out moist wood inside will help prevent infestations of
both acrobat and carpenter ants. Improving attic and
crawl space ventilation is also important in limiting
acrobat ant infestations. General tips for limiting ant
infestations include:
