You may have heard about citronella candles that are designed to keep away pesky insects, such as mosquitoes, but have you ever heard of citronella ants? Citronella ants are rarely seen by humans as they tend to make their homes in tunnels underground, but on rare occasions, they may intrude upon neighborhood homes and businesses. For more information about what citronella ants are and what you should do in case of an infestation, continue reading. If you find yourself with a citronella ant infestation, contact the professionals at Clegg’s Pest Control today.
What are citronella ants?
Citronella ants are large, yellow in color, and like the citronella candle, have a unique lemon citrus scent. Because they prefer high moisture places, they nest in soil, under logs, around foundations, or even in crawl spaces. These ants are common in the East and the Pacific Northwest as well as a few southern states, including Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina.
Much like other ant species, citronella ants have a queen ant, worker ants, and winged ants called swarmers. The queen ant reproduces, while the worker ants forage. The swarmers are the only ants that leave the nest to mate. After mating with another queen, these ants die shortly thereafter.
Are they part of the termite family?
Citronella ants are often wrongly distinguished as termites. The fact that some have wings and nest in wood that has been previously inhabited by termites makes it easy for people to commonly mistake them for a termite. However, unlike termites, citronella ants are not destructive. They can be characterized as more of a nuisance than anything.
Why do they invade homes and businesses?
Citronella ants can get into a home or business through cracks in the foundation, crevices around doors, and openings around windows. If you find that citronella ants are invading your home or business, it may be a sign that you have a moisture problem. Moisture not only invites citronella ants and other bugs, but it also can cause dangerous mold as well as other structural issues.
Find Citronella Ant Control at Clegg’s Pest Control Today
Having a swarm of citronella ants in or around your home or business is not a good thing. If you have an infestation, get it taken care of right away. Contact Clegg’s online or on the phone at 888-672-5344 for a complete evaluation of your home or business.
