Crazy Ants

The crazy ant, Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille), occurs in large numbers in homes or out-of-doors. Ants of this species often forage long distances away from their nests, so nests are often difficult to control.

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 authorities have used the name "black crazy ant" (Watterer 2008).

The crazy ant has achieved pest status across the United States. It has been found on top floors of large apartment buildings in New York, hotels and flats in Boston and in hotel kitchens in San Francisco, California.

Marlatt (1930) observed that the crazy ant is a pest in Florida and the Gulf States. As an example, in 1977, modular units were being used as temporary schoolrooms by a North Lauderdale elementary school. The principal reported that the units were so inundated by the ant that students were constantly in a state of turmoil. The invasion reached such proportions that the students' sack lunches were kept in closed plastic bags placed on tables, with each table leg sitting in a pan of water as a barrier to the ant.

The crazy ant is highly adaptable, living in both very dry and rather moist habitats. The crazy ant often nests some distance away from its foraging area. It nests in such places as trash, refuse, cavities in plants and trees, rotten wood, in soil under objects and also have been found under debris left standing in buildings for long periods of time (Smith 1965). These ants can nest in a variety of locations from dry to moist environments. A crazy ant nest site can be found by looking for workers carrying food back to the nest.  To view this entire article, please visit http://www.entnemdept.ufl.edu

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