Caribbean Crazy Ant (Nylanderia pubens)

How to Identify Them

Workers are small and reddish-brown, with long legs and antennae and fine hairs on the body. The behavior is what gives them away: frantic, erratic running and large, loose swarms rather than single-file lines. They don't build mounds.

Common look-alikes:

• White-footed ant: black with pale feet, trails neatly.
• Rover ant: smaller, lighter and slower.
• Fire ant: builds mounds and stings.

Signs of an Infestation

• Large numbers of ants running erratically on patios, walls and walkways
• Ants inside electrical boxes, outlets, A/C condensers or pool equipment
• Ants pouring out from under mulch, pots or yard debris
• Activity that seems to cover the whole yard rather than one nest

Prevention Tips

• Reduce yard debris, leaf litter and piles of wood or stones.
• Keep mulch thin and away from the foundation.
• Seal gaps around utility lines and electrical boxes.
• Have a licensed lawn and ornamental provider address aphids, scale and mealybugs on landscape plants.
• Don't rely on store-bought sprays; populations rebound quickly.

Protecting Electrical and Pool Equipment

Crazy ants are attracted to sheltered, warm spaces, and electrical equipment is a frequent target. They can pack into A/C condensers, pool pump timers, irrigation controllers, outdoor outlets and meter boxes. Large numbers of ants bridging electrical contacts may cause equipment to short or fail. Never spray inside electrical equipment yourself. Instead, keep debris and mulch cleared away from the base of equipment, make sure covers and gaskets are in place, and let us know which units are affected so we can treat around them safely. If equipment has stopped working, a licensed electrician or technician should check it after the ants are controlled.