What Are Crazy Ants? Understanding Their Characteristics and Behavior

Crazy ants (scientifically known as Paratrechina longicornis) are an invasive species that have become increasingly problematic in various parts of the United States, including Pittsburgh, PA. These ants are named for their erratic, “crazy” movement patterns, which make them easily distinguishable from other ant species. Understanding their characteristics and behavior is key to effectively controlling and preventing infestations.

Physical Characteristics

• • Size: Crazy ants are relatively small, typically measuring between 2.2 to 3 millimeters in length.
  • Color: They are usually dark brown to black in color, with a slightly translucent appearance under close inspection.
  • Antennae: One of the distinguishing features of crazy ants is their long antennae, which are about twice the length of their head.
  • Legs: They have notably long legs, which contribute to their rapid and erratic movement.  

Behavior and Habits

• Movement: Unlike many other ant species that follow a straight line, crazy ants move in an unpredictable, haphazard manner. This erratic movement pattern makes them difficult to track and control.
• Colony Structure: Crazy ants form supercolonies, which can span large areas and include multiple queens. This makes their colonies especially resilient and challenging to eliminate.
• Nesting Sites: Crazy ants are highly adaptable and can nest in a variety of environments. Common nesting sites include soil, leaf litter, inside walls, under floors, and around electrical equipment. They are known to nest both indoors and outdoors, often moving between the two in response to environmental conditions.
• Diet: Crazy ants are omnivorous and will feed on almost anything, including other insects, sweets, greasy foods, and even household waste. This wide-ranging diet allows them to thrive in various environments.
• Invasion Tactics: Crazy ants are aggressive and can displace other ant species, becoming the dominant pest in the area. They often invade homes and businesses in large numbers, seeking food, water, and shelter.

Impact on Property

• Damage to Electrical Equipment: One of the most concerning behaviors of crazy ants is their tendency to nest around electrical equipment. They can cause short circuits and damage to electrical systems by nesting in outlets, transformers, and other electrical devices.
• Rapid Infestation: Crazy ants can quickly overrun a property due to their large colony sizes and fast reproductive rates. A small initial infestation can rapidly escalate into a significant problem if not addressed promptly.