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This article is oriented toward people who use pesticides in or around their homes. If you job involves pesticides or may result in pesticide exposure (for example, you harvest crops in a field where pesticides were used), please see the Worker Safety and Training page.
Safely using pesticides depends on using the appropriate pesticide and using it correctly. The label on the pesticide container provides instructions for use of the pesticide. It also includes warnings that are intended ... Read More..
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The white-footed ant has become a major household pest in Florida. Homeowners, pest control companies, and the news media are constantly asking university researchers and county extension offices for information on how to control these ants. This fact sheet provides information on the white-footed ant and its habits. We also describe ways to reduce white-footed ant problems in your home or building. Read More..
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Fire ants are so called because their venom, injected by a stinger like a wasp's, creates a burning sensation. They are also active and aggressive, swarming over anyone or anything that disturbs their nest, be it wild animals, domestic animals, pets or people. An encounter with a fire ant nest can leave a lasting memory of burning pain, followed by tiny, itching pustules. Read More..
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The Florida carpenter ant complex is comprised of several species, two of which are common around structures: Camponotus floridanus (Buckley) and Camponotus tortuganus (Emery). These bicolored arboreal ants are among the largest ants found in Florida, making them apparent as they forage or fly indoors and out. Read More..
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This species is a household pest. In Florida, it is considered one of the most important of such ant pests. The ghost ant can not only invade houses from outside, but they can nest in the house as well. Although the ant feeds upon many household foods, it seems to show a preference for sweets, having been observed feeding on sugar, cakes, and syrups (Smith 1965). Outside, the workers scavenge for dead insects and tend sap-sucking insects, collecting honeydew (Ferster et al. 2002). Read More..
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Its common name arises from its characteristic erratic and rapid movement, and habit of not following trails as often as other ants. However, while the term 'crazy ant' is officially identified with this species, there are other closely related ant species that are also called "crazy ants." At least one authority has suggested that Paratrechina longicornis receive the common name "longhorned crazy ant" to prevent it being confused with other species referred to as "crazy ant." Other authoriti... Read More..
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The sting of a Florida harvester ant can be extremely painful. The Florida harvester ant is not of economic importance to growers and homeowners, is not aggressive and almost has to be forced to sting someone. However, the sting is among the more painful of those received from ants and the pain lasts longer than usual for ant stings due to the poison injected (Haack and Granovsky 1990). Some swelling may also occur as the reaction to their stings spread along the lymph channels (Ebeling 1978).... Read More..
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In addition to stinging humans, imported fire ants can sting pets, livestock, and wildlife. Crop losses are also reported due to fire ants feeding on seedlings and even citrus trees. Harvesting machinery used on farms can be damaged by hitting hard fire ant mounds often found in clay soils. Electrical equipment and utility housings may serve as fire ant nest sites, sometimes resulting in short circuits. Read More..
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Over the last few years reports have escalated of a golden-brown to reddish-brown "crazy ant" infesting properties in and around West Palm Beach, Florida. Paratrechina pubens is part of a group of ants referred to as "crazy ants" due to their quick and erratic movements. Thick foraging trails with thousands of ants occur along sidewalks, around buildings, and on trees and shrubs. Read More..
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Summertime is definitely fire ant time in Florida. Fire ants , as well as Carpenter ants , Pyramid ants, Pharaoh ants, Crazy ants , and Thief ants, among others, are very active during the summer. They are attracted to food and can be found often at outdoor picnics as well as indoors. Sweets are sure to attract them especially if left overnight. Read More..
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