| Scientific name | Paratrechina longicornis |
|---|---|
| Group | Ants |
| Size | 2.3–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in) |
| Colors | Black and Gray |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Kitchen and Lawn or grass |
| Most active | Spring, Summer and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The longhorn crazy ant is a tiny member of the ants group. Elbowed antennae and a pinched waist with one or two nodes. Check for these three features:
- Long legs and antennae relative to its body
- Erratic, zigzag running instead of straight trails
- Grayish sheen from fine body hairs
About this bug
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.
You'll usually find longhorn crazy ants in the kitchen and in lawns and grass. They are most active in spring, summer and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Crazy ants rarely bite and don't sting; their sheer numbers make them a nuisance.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
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.
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.
What to do about it
- Use sweet and protein baits in rotation
- Remove debris, firewood and trash piles near the house
- Seal gaps where pipes and wires enter
Read the full guide: how to get rid of longhorn crazy ants.
Bugs that look similar
Color: Longhorn Crazy Ants are black and gray; Argentine ants are brown.
Color: Longhorn Crazy Ants are black and gray; little black ants are black.
Frequently asked questions
What does a longhorn crazy ant look like?
Long legs and antennae relative to its body. Adults measure 2.3–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in).
Does the longhorn crazy ant bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Crazy ants rarely bite and don't sting; their sheer numbers make them a nuisance.
Where do longhorn crazy ants live?
Longhorn Crazy Ants live in the kitchen and in lawns and grass.
When are longhorn crazy ants most active?
Mostly in spring, summer and fall.