Acrobat Ants

Identification & Biology

Physical Appearance

• Similar to Carpenter Ants but much smaller, about 1/8" in sisze
• Heart-shaped abdomen raised above main body
• Acrobat Ants vary in color from yellowish brown to dark brown, with the abdomen darker than the rest of the body
• Workers are all the same size

Behavior & Habitat

Acrobat Ants got their name because of they way they sometimes hold their abdomens up in the air when running as if performing an acrobatic stunt. Acrobat Ants may nest outdoors in decaying logs, stumps, and hollow tree cavities, or indoors in within voids (including abandoned carpenter ant nest and termite galleries) and insulation.

Feeding Habits

Acrobat ants feed on a variety of foods including other ants, sweet foods (such as honeydew), and proteins.

Life Cycle

Acrobat Ants, like most ants, have a complex life cycle in which they develop from eggs, to white legless larvae, then to pupae before emerging as adults.

Damage

Acrobat ants are pests mainly by their presence in and around structures. If disturbed, it is possible that workers may become aggressive and sting or bite. Acrobat ants may also produce a foul odor, although this is rare. Structural damage caused by the acrobat ant is very minimal.

Prevention & Control

• Drill holes in infested walls and voids and dust with products such as Timbor or Borid
• Treat perimeters with a liquid spray such as Termidor, Demon WP or Talstar to help prevent acrobat ants from entering
• Apply Demon WP or Talstar to trees where colonies are located.
• For the most effective long-term solution to Acrobat Ants, pair Ant No More Bait Station with Maxforce Fine Granular Insect Bait and apply as an outdoor bait

For more detailed information on Acrobat Ant prevention and control, see How To Get Rid of Acrobat Ants