Tawny crazy ants (Nylanderia fulva), named for their golden-brown or reddish-brown color and erratic movements, are a new invasive ant species that has become a significant problem in Florida, Texas and other Southern states during the past few years. In some areas of the country, they’re still known as Caribbean crazy ants or Rasberry ants, after Tom Rasberry, the Texas-based pest professional who brought the species to national attention.
Tawny crazy ants range in size from 1/16- to 1/8-in. long. Their body surface is smooth and glossy and covered with dense hairs. Their most important characteristic, however, is their numbers: In Texas, we’ve seen infestations in the hundred of thousands.
For control measures, it helps if your customers cut back plants and trees that touch any exterior walls. They should keep sprinklers or leaky hoses from contacting wood and wooden structures. Inside, clean any food crumbs, wipe off excess water from counters, seal foundation crevices and replace trash cans to reduce infestation. A combination of control products is the best strategy for suppressing tawny crazy ants infestations. Be sure to use different products and various modes of action (pyrethroids, neonicotinoids and pyrazoles) to control this species.
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