Acrobat Ants

What do acrobat ants look like?

Acrobat ants are small ants, usually about 1/8 inch long, and reddish-brown to black in color. They have distinctive heart-shaped or round abdomens, which they often raise over their thoraces and heads in a "flag-waving" posture, especially when disturbed—hence the name "acrobat” ants. They have slender bodies with long legs and antennae and a noticeable, smooth appearance without any spines on their thorax.

Where do acrobat ants nest?

Acrobat ants typically nest in wood, often inside rotting trees or wooden structures.  Look for them in logs, under dead branches, under tree bark, in leaf litter, and beneath mulch. They’ll nest mostly in wall or floor voids, close to rooms with food, moisture, or both. You’re also likely to find them near trash receptacles as they are attracted to the decaying food inside.

What do acrobat ants eat?

It is easier to ask what acrobat ants don’t eat. They aren’t picky eaters. They’ll consume pretty much anything that is considered food. Outdoors, they’ll eat insects (alive and dead), nectar in flowers, honeydew, and other natural food sources. They’ll also get into trash receptacles and feed on leftovers around outdoor grills. Indoors, they’ll feed on honey stuck to a container, sugar granules on a shelf, bread crumbs under a toaster, syrup on a dirty plate, pet food, and more. If given plentiful food options, acrobat ants will gravitate to sweet foods as they have a bit of a sweet tooth.

Are acrobat ants harmful?

Although not a significant concern, acrobat ants have the potential to harm humans and damage property. While they can deliver unpleasant stings, they rarely sting people or pets. This ant species may carry and transmit germs from unsanitary locations onto counters, cutting boards, dishes, stored foods, etc. Exposure to these germs can cause stomach ailments. Another concern is that acrobat ants get into decayed cavities in structural wood and add to the damage as they excavate. The damage they cause is not nearly as destructive as carpenter ants or termites.

While only mildly harmful, these ants are terrible house guests. It is best to address them as soon as you notice ant activity. 

How do acrobat ants get inside homes?

Acrobat ants can crawl up walls, walk across ceilings, and enter through the tiniest gaps. But, while they can scale the entire exterior of your home, they are more likely to enter through foundation or first-floor entry points. Here are some potential entry points to consider:

• Cracks in foundation: All it takes is a hairline crack for acrobat ants to climb up through a foundation crack and into your home.
• Gaps around doors and windows: If your weatherproofing seals are not up to snuff, these ants can enter in large numbers.
• Utility lines: Acrobat ants can exploit the tiniest gaps around the line from your exterior HVAC unit or other wires and pipes entering your home.
• Damaged screens and window frames: These ants climb vegetation onto walls where they connect, allowing them to crawl through a damaged screen and into a home through a structural gap, cavity, or open window.  

Few holes are too small for these ants to use as an entry. They'll find their way in if they can find a path to interior spaces. The best way to keep them out is with routine exterior pest control treatments. Contact Termio Pest Control for assistance.

What attracts acrobat ants?

These ants are attracted to any property that provides ideal living conditions. Here are a few examples to consider:

• Decaying wood 
• Leaf piles or plant clippings
• Outdoor pet food bowls
• Uncovered trash receptacles
• Availability of honeydew in landscaping due to an infestation of plant-damaging insects
• Availability of nectar due to an overgrowth of flowering weeds
• Tall grass and overwatered plants
• Holes in the roof
• Interior rooms with high humidity, such as a poorly vented bathroom
• Unsanitary indoor spaces

If you start seeing a lot of acrobat ants indoors, you may have an interior nest. If you see an acrobat ant in your home occasionally, it may be a sign of an exterior nest close to your house.

How do I get rid of acrobat ants?

For relief from acrobat ant infestations or other pest problems, contact Termio Pest Control. Our locally owned and operated pest control company offers ongoing home pest control services in Phoenix and surrounding areas. You can count on our team to exterminate ants and prevent them from re-infesting! 

How can I prevent acrobat ants?

Preventing acrobat ants means eliminating the conditions that attract these pests and ensuring they cannot get inside. Here are a few acrobat ant prevention tips to implement around your home:

• Seal gaps and structural cavities with pest-proofing materials.
• Update all weatherproofing, such as strips and sweeps.
• Replace torn screens.
• Install missing covers on vents.
• Protect weep holes.
• Keep trash in covered containers, and get your receptacles to the curb on pick-up day.
• Remove organic debris, such as leaves and sticks.
• Address any moisture issues near the exterior of your home.
• Keep your interior as clean as possible by vacuuming, cleaning up spills quickly, and wiping down surfaces.
• Keep dirty dishes in soapy water until you’re ready to clean them, and put them in the strainer. Never leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
• Store food in sealed containers.
• Address indoor plumbing issues, such as leaky faucets and appliances.
• Use the fan in your bathroom when showering or bathing.