How to Get Rid of Longhorn Crazy Ants
A dark, slender ant with extremely long legs and antennae that runs in fast, jerky, seemingly random paths. It nests in soil, trash and wall voids, mostly in warm southern states. If you are seeing them in the kitchen and in lawns and grass, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Use sweet and protein baits in rotation
- Remove debris, firewood and trash piles near the house
- Seal gaps where pipes and wires enter
Crazy ants rarely bite and don't sting; their sheer numbers make them a nuisance.
Confirm you have longhorn crazy ants
Before you treat anything, make sure you are really dealing with longhorn crazy ants. Adults measure 2.3–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in) and are usually black and gray. Look for these features:
- Long legs and antennae relative to its body
- Erratic, zigzag running instead of straight trails
- Grayish sheen from fine body hairs
They are most often confused with Argentine ant and little black ant. See the full longhorn crazy ant profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have longhorn crazy ants
Longhorn Crazy Ants come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in spring, summer and fall, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see longhorn crazy ants
Longhorn Crazy Ants are most active in spring, summer and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: kitchen and lawn or grass.
Step-by-step: getting rid of longhorn crazy ants
Step 1: Use sweet
Use sweet and protein baits in rotation. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Step 2: Remove debris
Remove debris, firewood and trash piles near the house. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.
Step 3: Seal gaps where pipes
Seal gaps where pipes and wires enter. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
- Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
- Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
- Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Call a licensed pest control company if you still see longhorn crazy ants after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.
How to keep longhorn crazy ants from coming back
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
- Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
- Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
- Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.
Safety notes
Crazy ants rarely bite and don't sting; their sheer numbers make them a nuisance.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About ants
The longhorn crazy ant is one of the ants. Ants live in colonies ruled by one or more egg-laying queens. The workers you see are sterile females foraging for the rest of the colony, so killing visible ants rarely solves anything. Winged ants, called swarmers, appear when a mature colony sends out new kings and queens.
Bait works because workers carry it back and share it with the queen and larvae. Repellent sprays can scatter the colony and make the problem harder to fix.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of longhorn crazy ants?
Use sweet and protein baits in rotation. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are longhorn crazy ants dangerous?
Crazy ants rarely bite and don't sting; their sheer numbers make them a nuisance.
When are longhorn crazy ants most active?
Longhorn Crazy Ants are most active in spring, summer and fall.
What do longhorn crazy ants look like?
Long legs and antennae relative to its body. Adults measure 2.3–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in).