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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #279059
Title: Caribbean Crazy Ants and their look-alikes in Florida

Author
item BUSS, LYLE - University Of Florida
item Oi, David

Submitted to: Florida Pest Pro
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/6/2012
Publication Date: 2/1/2012
Citation: Buss, L., Oi, D.H. 2012. Caribbean Crazy Ants and their took-alikes in Florida. Florida Pest Pro. 8(2): 24-28.

Interpretive Summary: The Caribbean crazy ant continues to grow as a nuisance pest problem in Florida. Homeowners and pest management professionals alike have difficulty in controlling the huge populations that can occur on infested properties. Key to dealing with any pest ant problem is to identify the pest species. Scientists from the University of Florida Entomology & Nematology Department and the USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology summarized distinguishing characteristics of the Caribbean crazy ant that can be used to distinguish it from five other common ant species in Florida that are similar in habits and appearance.

Technical Abstract: The Caribbean crazy ant (Nylanderia pubens) continues to grow as a nuisance pest problem in Florida. Homeowners and pest management professionals alike have difficulty in controlling the huge populations that can occur on infested properties. Key to dealing with any pest ant problem is to identify the pest species. Distinguishing characteristics of the Caribbean crazy ants were compared to other five other common ant species in Florida that have similar habits and appearance.