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Caribbean Crazy Ants | Pest Details | Island Environmental

Caribbean Crazy Ants

Paratrechina pubens is a species of ant from the genus Paratrechina, commonly referred to as the Caribbean crazy ant. These ants are about one-eighth inch long and are covered with reddish-brown hairs. The colonies have multiple queens. An infestation of this species, or a related species provisionally named Paratrechina species near pubens, is ongoing in and around Houston, Texas. (Source: Wikipedia.com)

Identification

Caribbean crazy ants are about one-eighth inch long and are covered with reddish-brown hairs. Their colonies have multiple queens.

Environment

Crazy ants feed primarily on:

  • Live and dead insects
  • Seeds
  • Fruits
  • Honeydew

They are found throughout the U.S. but are confined to indoors in northern states because they cannot survive winter outdoors. Caribbean crazy ants often enter homes in the autumn or after rainfall as these conditions reduce their honeydew supply.

Threats

Caribbean crazy ants do not pose a health threat, but they can become a nuisance if they gain entry into a structure. They may invade homes looking for food sources like live and dead insects, seeds, fruits, or honeydew.

Treatment

To prevent Caribbean crazy ants:

  • Seal all possible points of entry around the house, including small openings and cracks around doors and windows.
  • Trim vegetation away from the home to block pathways inside.
  • Clean up food spills and other potential attractants promptly to avoid drawing ants indoors.

If you are experiencing problems with Caribbean crazy ants, call Island Environmental to learn about our Home Shield Interior Protection Plan to control and prevent infestations.