Characteristics: Color ranges from light brown to nearly black. They have a heart-shaped abdomen when viewed from above. Acrobat ants are so named because they can raise their body above their abdomen.
Behavior:
Acrobat ants prefer to nest in trees, often taking over several neighboring trunks.
Colonies consist of a single queen, in addition to workers and soldiers.
They engage in mutualism with aphids, harvesting aphid “honeydew”
They are considered a Scavenger / Predator species, and will feed on dead insects, protein, and sugary substances.
Colonies consist of a single queen, in addition to a large number of workers and soldiers. When nesting outdoors, acrobat ants prefer to establish colonies in trees. They will take over a single tree if available, and especially large colonies can take over several neighboring trees as well. When establishing a colony indoors, acrobat ants prefer rotting or damp wood, as well as foam structures.
Acrobat ants engage in mutualism with aphids. The ants will protect and care for feeding aphids on nearby plants, and then harvest a sugary substance called “honeydew” produced by the feeding aphids.
Acrobat ants are known as predator / scavenger, because they will eat dead insects if the opportunity arises. Sugary substances and protein particles are also foraged for and eaten.
Problems with Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants are primarily an outdoor concern. If they are present, it is a general indication of rotting or dead wood. Their foraging behavior can be irritating to homeowners.
Preventing Acrobat Ants
Denying acrobat ants nesting opportunities is the best way to prevent an infestation. Any rotting or dead wood should be removed from a structure, and foundation cracks should be sealed to prevent entry. Regular maintenance of nearby trees, removal of decaying or dead tree debris, and routine evaluation of sheds or outbuildings should be performed in order to prevent acrobat ants from establishing a colony.
When to Call an Exterminator
Acrobat ants can cause significant damage as they build their nests, either indoors or outdoors. The best way to eliminate and prevent future problems with acrobat ants is to call a professional ant exterminator. At Pest Control Inc, we use a variety of different treatment techniques, including surveillance, baiting, and exclusion solutions. We offer residential as well as commercial pest control services.
