Acrobat Ant

Description: Acrobat ant workers are light brown to black and 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. The top of the thorax has one pair of spines, and the petiole has two segments. The petiole is attached to the top of the abdomen in contrast to most other species of ants. When Viewed from above, the abdomen appears to be heart-shaped. A stinger is present. When alarmed, the workers scurry around with their abdomens raised over their heads.

Biology: Little has been published on the biology of this species. Swarmers have been observed in nests or swarming from mid-June through late September. The size of colonies range from moderate to large.

Habits: Acrobat ants often nest outdoors under stones, logs, firewood, in trees, and in conditions similar to carpenter ants. In structures, they nest in wall and floor voids, foam insulation, and other areas commonly associated with carpenter ants. They are found in abandoned termite, carpenter ant or other wood infesting insect galleries. Acrobat ants travel in trails, foraging as much as 100 feet from their nest.

They feed on honeydew produced by aphids and other plant feeders, live and dead insects, including termite swarmers. Workers defend the colony aggressively and are quick to bite and release a foul odor.

Control: Control strategies for acrobat ants are similar to those used for carpenter ants. They require an integrated approach, involving moisture elimination, removal of overhanging tree limbs, stumps and firewood and mechanical alterations to prevent entry. All cracks and gaps in exterior walls that provide access to voids or interior areas should be sealed.

It is important to locate the source of the ants, their nests. Areas where water leaks have occurred, particularly roof, soffit, bathroom and kitchen areas should be inspected. The most complete control is accomplished when the nests are treated with a residual spray or dust. This may involve drilling holes in hollow doors, wall voids, ceiling voids, veneers, etc., which these ants exploit for nesting sites. In some situations, it maybe useful to drill infested wood and apply a dust or liquid formulation directly into the galleries.

Infestations can be reduced but not eliminated by treating travel routes followed by worker ants while foraging. Infestations that originate outdoors can be reduced by the application of barrier treatments using microencapsulated or wettable powder formulations. Baits are of limited value in control of these ants.

Controlling aphids on ornamental plants and trees around structures removes their primary food source and causes them to forage elsewhere for food.