Citronella ants get their name from the distinct citrus-like odor they release when crushed, a smell many people describe as similar to citronella or lemongrass. Workers are small, generally 1/8 inch or less, with a yellowish to reddish-brown body that can appear almost translucent or waxy in certain light. Winged reproductives are larger and darker, and because large numbers can emerge at once during a swarm, they’re sometimes mistaken for termite swarmers or other ant species until their signature scent gives them away.
In Southern California, citronella ants nest almost exclusively outdoors, typically in soil near foundations, under slabs, beneath landscaping timbers, or close to moisture sources such as leaking irrigation lines, gutters, or downspouts. Because their colonies are rarely a true indoor infestation, homeowners usually only notice them when winged swarmers emerge from cracks in foundations, expansion joints, or basement walls, often after warm, humid weather following rain or heavy irrigation. Seeing a sudden cluster of swarming ants indoors is the most common way this species gets identified.
Citronella ants are considered more of a nuisance than a destructive pest. They don’t sting, and they’re not known to bite or contaminate food, but seeing a swarm of winged ants emerge inside a home understandably concerns homeowners, and their nesting habits often point to an underlying moisture issue near the foundation that’s worth investigating. Persistent moisture around a slab can also invite other, more damaging pests over time.
If you’ve noticed a swarm of citronella ants in your Los Angeles or Orange County home, Guarantee Pest Control can help you identify the source and put your mind at ease. Since 1958, our family-owned team has inspected homes throughout the region to trace nesting sites back to moisture issues and recommend a treatment plan that fits your property. We offer eco-friendly Guarantee Green options, a 3-month guarantee on most services, free estimates, and no-penalty cancellation. Call 1-800-507-3787 or request your free estimate at /get-a-quote/.