Crazy ants get their name from their fast, erratic, non-linear movement, which stands out compared to the orderly trails most other household ants follow. Workers are slender and small to medium in size, roughly 1/8 inch long, with a dark brown to black body, very long legs, and unusually long antennae relative to their body. Their rapid, seemingly random scurrying in every direction is often the quickest way homeowners identify them, even before getting a close look at their coloring.
In Los Angeles and Orange County, crazy ants are opportunistic nesters that will set up colonies almost anywhere there’s shelter and access to food or moisture, including potted plants, wall voids, under flooring, inside electrical outlets and appliances, and in yard debris like mulch, leaf litter, or stacked wood. Because they aren’t picky about nesting sites, they can turn up in both older homes and newer construction, and colonies often relocate quickly if disturbed, which can make an infestation feel like it’s spreading rather than being controlled.
Crazy ants are primarily a nuisance and sanitation concern rather than a structural threat. Large numbers of foraging workers can contaminate food in pantries and kitchens, and their tendency to nest inside electronics and electrical equipment has been associated with equipment malfunctions in some cases. They don’t sting and are not known for biting people, but a fast-multiplying colony indoors can become frustrating quickly if left unaddressed, since their mobile nesting habits make do-it-yourself treatments less reliable.
Guarantee Pest Control has served Los Angeles and Orange County families since 1958, and our technicians know how to track these fast-moving, adaptable ants back to their nesting sites. We’ll inspect your home and yard, identify likely harborage areas, and recommend a treatment plan designed for a colony that doesn’t stay put. Ask about our eco-friendly Guarantee Green options, and count on our 3-month guarantee on most services, free estimates, and no-penalty cancellation. Call 1-800-507-3787 or request a free estimate at /get-a-quote/.