Acanthomyops
interjectus.
Characteristics –
Size: Workers of this species measure about 1/4-inch in
length. Two closely related species are smaller. The winged females
and males that swarm to start new colonies may measure up to
5/8-inch and 3/8-inch, respectively.
Color: Citronella ants and their relatives are golden
yellow in color. The winged female swarmers are also golden yellow
while the winged males are black.
Behavior – The citronella ant is actually named
the "large yellow ant," but it derives its nickname from
the strong citronella odor emitted from its body. These ants are
subterranean in nature. They feed on the honeydew produced by
subterranean aphids and mealy bugs, which feed on the roots of trees
and other plants. The workers are not seen foraging in homes and
buildings; rather it is the winged reproductive ants, called
swarmers, that enter buildings in early- to mid-spring. These males
and females enter the home from cracks in the foundation or through sub slab
heating ducts. The sudden appearance of hundreds of these swarmers
is often disconcerting to homeowners. The swarmers also have the
strong, characteristic citronella odor.
Habitat – Citronella ants locate their colonies
within the soil under items such as stones, logs and landscape
timbers. They also may be found in the soil under mulch next to
building foundations, or they may locate colonies in soil underneath
slab floors and in crawl spaces.
Tips for Control – Colonies do not require
control unless the swarmers are entering the home or building. Even
then, treatment may not be possible because it is difficult to know
exactly where the colony is located under the foundation. Sealing
the cracks in the floor where the swarmers enter may stop the swarm
from entering a home or building, but the ants may find other
cracks. Any treatment will involve drilling and treating beneath the
slab, thus requiring the services of an experienced professional.
