Are acrobat ants a major problem in homes and commercial properties across Bensalem? They may not be as destructive as carpenter ants, but finding hundreds of these tiny invaders in the kitchen, dining room, or cafeteria can be a major concern.
Why do acrobat ants come inside?
Can ants cause structural damage?
Will the ants go away when summer ends?
These are common questions when people discover ants where they shouldn’t be. Even more important questions are:
"How can acrobat ants be excluded from a building?"
"Is it possible to stop ants from coming back?"
Fortunately, a licensed pest management professional can answer these questions AND effectively remove acrobat ants while preventing future infestations.
Controlling acrobat ants is more complicated than it seems. While bug sprays may seem like an easy solution, they do not eliminate an infestation. Contacting a professional pest control provider is the only reliable way to protect your property from acrobat ants and other pests.
Acrobat ants are easily identifiable as insects with three pairs of legs. Workers measure about 1/8 inch long, while the queen can reach 3/8 inch. These ants vary in color, ranging from light brown to dark brown or black, and some display multiple colors.
A defining feature of acrobat ants is their heart-shaped abdomens, which they lift over their heads when threatened. Another characteristic is their segmented antennae, consisting of 11 segments ending in a three-segmented club.
Acrobat ants thrive in various environments. Outdoors, they nest under rocks, in leaf litter, or beneath fallen trees. They prefer diseased or decaying wood, making firewood piles an ideal habitat. They often take over old termite or carpenter ant nests.
Man-made structures also attract acrobat ants. They can enter through cracks, gaps in door frames, or branches touching the building. Inside, they prefer wall voids, damaged wood, or even Styrofoam insulation panels behind siding.
Like many local ant species, acrobat ants consume both sugar and protein. They obtain honeydew from aphids and mealybugs, and they feed on living or dead insects, including termite swarmers, which can actually help protect buildings.
Inside homes and businesses, they are attracted to sugary and protein-rich foods such as maple syrup, honey, peanut butter, barbecue sauce, condiments, meat, and pet food.
Unlike carpenter ants and termites, acrobat ants do not bore into wood. Instead, they inhabit pre-existing damaged wood, clearing out tunnels and galleries. This can result in visible sawdust, dirt, or debris indoors.
One of the most concerning behaviors of acrobat ants is stripping insulation from electrical and telephone wires, which can lead to short circuits and potential hazards.
Acrobat ants can bite, but they are small and generally avoid confrontation. They prefer to remain hidden from predators, including humans. However, if a nest is disturbed, multiple bites may occur, though they rarely cause serious harm.
While their bites are not dangerous, acrobat ants can spread bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella. They pick up bacteria while foraging in garbage and unsanitary areas, then transfer it to food and surfaces.
Other illnesses associated with acrobat ant infestations include clostridium, strep, E. coli, staph, and Shigella.
Signs of an acrobat ant infestation include:
Acrobat ants are attracted to Bensalem, PA, for several reasons, primarily due to the area's climate, environment, and availability of food and nesting sites. Here are some key factors:
To reduce the risk of an acrobat ant infestation, take these preventative steps:
Ant infestations are one of the most persistent pest control challenges, often requiring professional intervention. Effective treatment includes proper identification, locating and eliminating the nest, and using targeted pest control products.
Attempting to eliminate an acrobat ant infestation without professional help is rarely successful. The best course of action is to contact a certified pest control provider for expert treatment.
Schedule a FREE inspection today.
