Acrobat Ants in Virginia
Acrobat ants are occasional structural pests in Virginia. Their name comes from the pose they adopt when alarmed, raising their abdomen over their head. With spatula-shaped stingers, they wipe venom on their prey. These ants prefer nesting in hollow stems and twigs, and they tunnel through soft, damp wood like carpenter ants. They are attracted to areas of moisture, particularly around water leaks. They also engage in mutualism by tending aphids and consuming the honeydew they excrete. In homes, they nest in wood or cavities near water leaks.
Acrobat Ant Habitat
Acrobat ants typically nest outdoors in deadwood, such as tree branches, stems, and stumps. While they don’t harm trees or shrubs directly, they protect aphids and other pest insects. Indoors, they nest in woodwork, often taking over the galleries of abandoned carpenter ants and termites. When nesting in homes, they prefer areas like door and window frames damaged by insects or moisture. When foraging, they are attracted to kitchen cabinets and pantries. Their presence, indoors or outdoors, suggests decaying wood. Acrobat ants can also infest foam core panel insulation and strip insulation from wires, creating potential fire hazards due to short circuits.
Acrobat Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
When threatened, worker acrobat ants may bite aggressively and release an unpleasant odor. Though reactions are typically mild, they can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Acrobat ants don’t usually nest inside homes, but they can exploit conditions with moisture or damaged wood. One of their more concerning behaviors is nesting in foam core panel insulation and stripping insulation off wires, which can cause short circuits and pose a fire risk. Their ability to thrive in damp environments makes them a common problem in homes with plumbing issues or leaks.
A professional ant exterminator is recommended if you suspect an infestation.
