The acrobat ant, or Crematogaster, is a black to dark brown or red and black species of ant that is usually identified by the heart-shaped abdomen. The ant workers move about with their abdomen region higher than the head. Acrobat ants enjoy living in a nest of moist or rotten wood and are usually found in trees or on wooden decks. The best way to eliminate the ants is to get rid of wood or debris that is lying about and keep trees away from buildings.
The carpenter ant, or Camponotus, comes in a variety of shades that range from brown to red. The species that most people encounter are the black ones. Carpenter ants eat many types of foods, but prefer to feast on other insects. Carpenter ants reside in homes throughout the northern United States, but their colonies are usually located in a tree close to a home. This is especially true of dead trees and stumps. To prevent an infestation, remove dead limbs and tree trunks from the property and keep fire wood stored away from the home.
The crazy ant, or Paratrechina longicornis, is aptly named for the zigzag movements that the insect makes while moving about. Crazy ants are often found in large colonies that include several queens and thousands of workers. The ants are commonly found in landscape mulch or beneath the bark that hangs off of trees. The ants also like to make nests in piles of lumber or firewood. Keep piles of lumber and other debris away from the home in order to eliminate the ants. Trees and shrubs should also be kept far from the home.
