Thatching Ant

Thatching ants are typically red and black, with some being completely black or complete brown. Their size can range from 4-9mm and they are often confused with carpenter ants as they look similar. The diet of Thatcher ants mainly consists of eating other insects although they do eat plants too.

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Pest Description

Thatching Ants

  • Thatching Ant Habits

    Thatching ants are also popularly known as mound ants as they are notorious for building mounds composed of various yard debris such as sticks, stems, pine needles and more. The mounds they construct are visibly distinguishable and can cause an eyesore for homeowners dealing with an infestation. When they aren’t nesting in the mounds they have constructed, you can typically find them living in decomposing trees or soil.

  • Threat Level of Thatching Ants

    Overall, Thatching ants have a positive effect on the ecosystem as they are efficient at eliminating harmful insects. However, when Thatching ants infest homes and yards they can cause problems for homeowners. They are aggressive ants that deliver a painful bite. The Thatching ant bite can cause blisters to humans and household pets as they tend to spray the bitten area with formic acid. Furthermore, they also destroy the buds of fruit trees and devastate plants as well as tree seedlings.

  • How to Prevent a Thatching Ant Infestation

    Preventing a Thatching ant infestation requires having a well-groomed front and backyard. Keep wood piles organized, and be sure that rotting wood is not on the property. Since Thatching ants primarily reside outdoors, ensuring your yard is not an inviting place for one of their colonies is essential.

  • Controlling Thatching Ants

    Dealing with a Thatching ant infestation is best left to seasoned professionals. The most effective method of eradicating an infestation is to infiltrate the nest, then liberally apply a pesticide deep within it. Some nests can be as deep as four feet into the ground, making this a difficult task. Thatching ants are known to attack humans that invade their colonies and pest professionals are educated in the proper safety precautions needed to safely eliminate the problem.