What Are Acrobat Ants?
Acrobat ants (Crematogaster spp.) get their name from their habit of raising their heart-shaped abdomen above their head when disturbed, as if performing an acrobatic pose. These small ants are typically light brown to dark brown and measure about 2.5–3 mm long.
Habitat & Behavior
In North Carolina, acrobat ants commonly nest in moist or decaying wood, including old carpenter ant galleries, dead trees, and foam insulation. Inside homes, they favor areas with moisture damage such as around leaking pipes, windows, and bathroom fixtures.
While they rarely cause structural damage themselves, their presence often indicates an existing moisture problem. Acrobat ants can bite when threatened and may strip the insulation from electrical wiring, creating potential fire hazards. They feed on sweets, proteins, and other insects.
Prevention & Control
Signs of an acrobat ant infestation include trailing lines of ants, small piles of debris from their nesting activities, and discarded insulation material near outlets or switches.