Caribbean Crazy Ant

Paratrechina pubens

Over the last few years reports have escalated of a golden-brown to reddish-brown "crazy ant" infesting properties in and around several cities in Florida. Thick foraging trails with thousands of ants occur along sidewalks, around buildings, and on trees and shrubs. Pest control operators using liquid and/or granular broad-range insecticides appear unable to control this nuisance ant.

Color	Golden-brown to reddish-brown
Legs	6
Shape	One node segment; uneven thorax
Size	1/16 to 1/8th inch long
Antennae	True

Caribbean Crazy Ant Habits

This species prefers to forage from nest sites during warmer temperatures. Caribbean crazy ants like to stick together, creating thick trails of thousands of ants. In many urban areas, they can be found around tree stumps, sidewalks, and at the base of buildings. They will eat a number of things, such as dead insects, honeydew, and even aphids.

Where Do Crazy Caribbean Ants Live?

Caribbean crazy ants are originally from South America but are now seen in North America as well. These ants have been seen emerging from soffits, between railroad ties used in landscaping, under wooden debris, under electrical conduits, and even cracks in cement.

Signs You Have a Caribbean Crazy Ant Infestation

Caribbean crazy ants flock to electrical equipment. If you’re experiencing shortages in your circuits, it is possible you have an infestation. Large numbers of electrocuted ants can cause heat buildup, which in turn can short your circuits. Additionally, if you see any of these ants in and around your home, it is possible they have nested there.

Caribbean Crazy Ant Prevention

Like many pests, Caribbean crazy ants are attracted to moisture. Be sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your home. Ants can also use tree branches near your home to get into your house, so be sure to trim trees and branches so they are not touching your home. Keep ants from creating nests near your home by storing firewood and other building materials as far away from your house as possible.

How to Get Rid of Caribbean Crazy Ants

Unfortunately, Caribbean crazy ants are not attracted to traditional ant bait, so they are harder to control. To remove an infestation from your home, it is best to call a professional, since these pests do not respond to traditional, over-the-counter removal methods. If you need help, our team of experts at Hughes is ready to treat your crazy ant infestation. Contact us using the form below.