Controlling Crazy

            By definition, the word crazy can mean affected with madness. Until 2002, when a “new” species of ant was discovered in the Houston area, no one would have ever thought to describe an ant as being affected with madness. The Crazy ant as we know them can be seen running all over the ground at high speeds (for an ant) with no sensible pattern to their movements. It appears as if they are running away from something and at every turn are confronted with impassible objects and barriers, so they simply turn and head another direction. Another characteristic of a Crazy ant colony is the immense size of the population. You will certainly know when you have an infestation of these little guys as their colonies can number in the hundreds of thousands.

            At first glance, it may appear as if the dirt around your house is moving, but once you take a closer look you will be able to see that it is actually thousands of ants blanketing the earth. Sometime last year, researchers pinpointed the origin of this species as northern Argentina and southern Brazil. In South America, they are referred to as the Tawny ant. While most people who have had to experience an infestation of this ant have admitted that they seem to force the Fire ants out of the area, they have also admitted that while painful, the Fire ant also did a much better job of keeping to itself. Unlike Fire ants, who stay in their mounds, Crazy ants have found their way inside homes and electrical equipment causing costly damage and time consuming repairs. Because they are such a new species to the U.S., and colonies the colonies are so large in population, control of this ant becomes the next issue.

            From my ongoing contact with pest management professionals, (bug guys), I have heard every answer under the sun for an effective elimination of the crazy ant. The most effective insecticides I have been told contain the active ingredient Fipronil such as Taurus SC or Termidor SC. These products are most often used today as long lasting termiticides but many have found them to most adequately control crazy ants. Fipronil by nature is a non-repellant, meaning the ants cannot “sense” that it is there and since it is slightly slower acting, it allows time for the ants to transmit it between each other to help spread the chemical.  Both products can only be used outdoors and since the Tawny ant does invade homes frequently, different methods are necessary to eliminate them indoors. While they can appear anywhere, most often this ant can be found in areas of high moisture such as the kitchen or bathrooms. In These areas most people prefer baits. Ant baits typically create little or no mess and can be applied much more precisely than sprays. Ant bait stations are easy to use self-contained baits that are usually sugar based and most often used. Still, many professionals are experimenting with more traditional types of bait such as Advance Carpenter Ant Bait that is labeled for Crazy ants. Whatever methods you choose, you will most likely find that this particular ant is a relentless pest and then you too may wish you had your Fire ants back!