Acrobat Ants
Like any species of ant, the Acrobat ant is a scavenger and will infests homes looking for food. They may end up taking residence within the building if not properly treated. Acrobat ants nest in wood and are commonly found inside houses, voids in walls, door frames, and window frames. Often times, Acrobat ants will tunnel into existing damage in homes created by carpenter ants or termites. Acrobat ants primarily feed on honeydew produced by aphids, but acrobat ants infesting buildings tend to feed off of sweets and high-protein foods. Similarly to termites and carpenter ants, they can cause damage to the structure and have even been known to strip the insulation from electrical wiring. Ensuring that foliage around the structure does not come into contact with the building will help prevent pest invasion as well as sealing off other entry points around the property.
Acrobat ant workers are all the same size, very small, approximately 1/8 inch (3mm) long, with color variations that range from brown to blackish. Like all ants of the genus crematogaster, Acrobat ant abdomens resemble a heart shape when viewed from above. Acrobat ants received their name for the defensive posture the workers take, elevating their abdomen above their thorax, when their colony is disturbed. They can become quite aggressive, biting and emitting an unpleasant odor when they feel threatened.
Prevention is ideal for ant pest control; trimming trees and shrubs around the property as well as implementing exclusion methods is the best way to prevent an unwanted pest infestation. Eliminating Acrobat ant infestations indoors requires locating and treating the colony, which begins with a thorough inspection. However, once an infestation has been established the colony will need to be eliminated at the source in order to be effectively removed. If your property is threatened by an ant infestation don’t hesitate to call CSI Home and Commercial Services @ 540-710-0776 for a free evaluation! We have decades of experience eliminating irritating pests and will have the solution for all your pest control needs.
