Citronella Ants Mistaken as Termites in Marlboro, NJ

Challenge

We were sent out on a service call to the home of a new customer in Marlboro, NJ, for a suspected termite infestation in the basement. Once we inspected the area and took a closer look, we identified these pests as winged citronella ant swarmers, not termites. Citronella ants are small, yellow ants (approximately 4 mm in size) that emit a very strong citronella smell when crushed (hence their name).

Ant swarmers and termite swarmers can look similar to the untrained eye, but there's a way to tell the difference between the two. Ant swarmers have a 3 body segment, a head, waist, and a thorax - while termite swarmers have a two body segment; a head and a waist. We told the homeowner and she was relieved that they weren't termites.

Solution

We treated baseboards, corners, and crevices of the basement with a liquid residual. Afterward, we treated the entire exterior of the home with the liquid residual and applied a granular bait to all the grassy areas around the property. Once the citronella ants come in contact with either of these products, they'll return to their nest and transfer the treatments throughout their colony by feeding another, grooming one another, or eating their own dead. A short while later, the citronella ants will be exterminated.