What Are Crazy Ants?
Crazy ants (Paratrechina longicornis) get their name from their erratic, rapid, and seemingly aimless running behavior. These small ants are dark brown to black, about 2–3 mm long, with extremely long legs and antennae relative to their body size.
Habitat & Behavior
In North Carolina, crazy ants are found both indoors and outdoors. They nest in a variety of locations including soil, mulch, under objects, in wall voids, and inside potted plants. Their colonies can be very large with multiple queens, making them persistent and difficult to control.
Crazy ants are omnivorous, feeding on sweets, grease, other insects, fruits, and household scraps. They are particularly attracted to electrical equipment and have been known to cause short circuits by congregating inside outlets, switch boxes, and electronic devices.
Prevention & Control
Unlike many ant species that follow defined trails, crazy ants forage randomly across wide areas, which can make baiting programs less effective. Professional pest control using a combination of baits, non-repellent sprays, and exclusion methods is typically required. Reducing moisture and sealing entry points around your home are important preventive steps.