Crazy Ants Invade Louisiana
Janay RickwalderTuesday, December 25, 2012
A
species of ant, known for its habit of running in an erratic,
jerky manner when searching for food, has been spreading across
Louisiana. First seen in Texas in 2002, crazy ants have been
swarming Port Allen for at least a year, but they’ve now made their
way to Baton Rouge.
Crazy ants enter homes in the autumn or after rainfall because
both conditions reduce their supply of honeydew. Once inside, crazy
ants usually nest underneath floors or carpeting. Outdoors, the
nests are shallow and commonly found in soil under objects or next
to foundations.
To prevent Caribbean crazy ants, it is important to seal all
possible points of entry around the house including small openings
and cracks around doors and windows. Food spills and other
potential attractants should be cleaned up as soon as possible.