Ants

Could a Fungus Pathogen Cause the Demise of Invasive Crazy Ants?


Crazy ants are an invasive species that can be highly damaging when they invade homes and businesses. Although you’ll need professional NJ pest control service to deal with these ants, there might be hope for their eventual demise due to a fungus-like pathogen.

Crazy Ant Damage

Crazy ants are light brown ants that are difficult to eliminate. These ants can form supercolonies that cover large amounts of land. When they invade yards and other outdoor places, they’re able to kill wildlife and take over native ant colonies. When they get into buildings or houses, they can cause electrical problems, including fires. They can also ruin motors in vehicles. Pesticides aren’t very effective at destroying these ants, making them a challenge to control. However, scientists have found that they disappear in some areas where a fungus-like pathogen is found.

Crazy Ant Infections

Scientists have discovered a pathogen called microsporidian inside dead crazy ants in some places. This pathogen seems to spread rapidly among crazy ant colonies and is able to wipe them out. For example, infected nests in one area lost 75 percent of workers in just a few months. Researchers are studying this pathogen more in order to see if they can come up with more effective ways to control crazy ant infestations.

If you’re looking for NJ pest control service you can trust, please contact Allison Pest Control today. Our skilled pest control technicians can eliminate crazy ants or other pests from your NJ home or business.

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