Paratrechina longicornis
Physical Features
Dark brown to black, workers are one size approximately 1/10 inch. The scape (first segment of the antenna) is twice the length of the head. Long legs relative to body size.
Habits
- Diet: Live/dead insects, seeds, honeydew, fruits, household foods. Seasonal preferences.
- Activity: Known for its erratic, rapid movements
- Preferred Climate: Warm, humid and dry
- Defense: Bites then releases an acidic liquid that causes burning sensation
- Cautions: Burning sensation if bit, see previous
- Home Invasion: Will find a way into a home or can be transported by plants into a home. Sets up multiple nests making it hard to control. On outside nests have little to no mounds and can be difficult to identify harborage points. The base of trees, foundations, under mulch or vegetation are most common harborage points outdoors. Will forage far for food so much track to harborage point to get to the source. This can be difficult due to their random movements.
Helpful Hints
- Regular waste removal due to residing sometimes in trash receptacles
- Regular landscape maintenance
- Seal cracks and crevices to prevent interior entry
- Ongoing pest control service for prevention.
Interesting Facts
The Rasberry Crazy Ant is a new species of crazy ant discovered in Texas by a pest control operator, Tom Rasberry.
Symptoms
They can bite.
Nesting Sites
- Very dry, relatively moist sites
- Rotten wood, fallen tree limbs, logs, tree stumps
- Under stones, bricks, and lumber
- In wall voids and beneath floor, particularly near hot-water piper and heaters
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