Acrobat Ants Huddling for Warmth in Bradley Beach, NJ

Challenge

After spotting ants all over his spare bedroom wall, this owner in Bradley Beach, NJ called Cowleys and we were sent out to treat. When we arrived, we noticed that the ants were not only on the walls, but on the cords to the blinds as well. What was interesting was that the ants were grouped together, almost like a ball. Ants will huddle together when temperatures drop in order to maintain their body heat. Upon closer inspection, we identified these ants as acrobat ants.

Acrobat ants are relatively small, only about one-eighth of an inch & have a segmented body with a heart-shaped abdomen that is usually darker than the rest of its body. They received their name because of their unusual “contortion act” behavior when disturbed – they bend their abdomen over their body! These ants are aggressive and territorial. They have stingers, emit a foul odor when threatened, and are quick to bite.

Solution

For treatment, we’re going to apply a liquid residual along the window frame, baseboards, cracks, and crevices of the bedroom. Next, we’ll treat the entire exterior of the home with the same application. The acrobat ants will come in contact with this product, return to their nest, and transfer the treatment throughout their colony. In a short amount of time, the acrobat ants will be exterminated.