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A Crazy Ant on Hard Surface

Crazy Ant

Actual Size: ⅛ inch in length.

Characteristics: Small, reddish-brown ants with shiny bodies and fine hairs. They have long, segmented antennae.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Wings are present on both males and females, but they rarely fly.

Habitat: Thrive in moist, humid environments like leaf litter, soil, and under rocks. They often nest in man-made structures, including walls and electrical equipment.

Habits:

  • They are often called raspberry ants.
  • Known for their rapid, erratic movements.
  • Frequently attracted to electronics, including TVs, computers, and appliances.
  • Form massive, interconnected colonies without a single, centralized nest.

Crazy Ants in Wisconsin

Discovered in Texas in 2002 and nicknamed “raspberry ants,” crazy ants have reached Wisconsin and may one day replace fire ants. With their reddish-brown color and unusual movements, these ants follow pheromone trails but don’t march in straight lines due to their long legs and unpredictable paths. They harm grass, compete with other insects, and damage electrical equipment, impacting both cities and rural regions.

Crazy Ant Habitat

Crazy ants build large nests, often near sources of moisture, and will settle in any gap or crevice they can find. These nests are commonly found in leaf litter, damp soil, and other sheltered areas. While colonies are usually outdoors, these ants will enter homes in search of meat and sweets. Nests have also been discovered in potted plants, tree stumps, and electrical equipment. In addition to tending aphids for their honeydew, crazy ants hunt live prey and scavenge carcasses.

Crazy Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Crazy ants can bite but lack a stinger, so they do not sting. The bite causes mild pain that fades quickly. Their foraging habits bring them into homes, where they’re attracted to electrical equipment, often damaging electronics and creating fire risks. They are frequently found in televisions, stereos, computers, and other appliances. Chewing through insulated wiring, these destructive insects may cause electrical shorts, which can result in fires.

If you think you may have a crazy ant infestation, contacting a professional ant exterminator is the best course of action.

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