Characteristics: Yellow-brown or red-brown to black, soldiers have a distinctly oversized head. Listed as one of the top 100 invasive species in the world.
Behavior:
Big headed ants are invasive and an aggressive threat to native ant species
They invade and conquer other ant colonies, disturbing native ecosystems and destroying property where they nest.
They are Scavenger / Predators, eating an omnivorous diet ranging from seeds to small animals.
Each colony of big headed ants contains multiple queens, and because of their invasive nature, it’s not unusual to find “super colonies” or interconnected nests. Big headed ants prefer to nest in dark, moist locations, and have multiple entrances to a single nest. These entryways can be identified by piles of displaced dirt.
The sheer mass of a big headed ant colony is supported by their omnivorous nature. The wide variety of acceptable food sources make it possible for the big headed ant to spread their population, invading other ant species’ nests and fully displacing them.
Problems Caused by Big Headed Ants
From the perspective of a property owner, the biggest threat of big headed ants is their destructive behavior. Big Headed Ants are notorious for property damage, with their large nests threatening plants, tree roots, and general landscaping.
From an ecological standpoint, they are a nightmare. Big headed ants will eliminate native ant species, threatening delicate ecosystems and disturbing habitats. Big headed ants also can bite when threatened, though they are not poisonous.
Preventing Big Headed Ants
If a colony is found outdoors, it must be removed to prevent the colony from moving indoors or destroying outdoor property. Filling cracks in foundation walls, sealing doors and windows, and maintaining landscaping can help limit big headed ant infestations. Limiting food sources for the big headed ant is also necessary, as they have strong omnivore tendencies.
Big Headed Ant Control
Big headed ants can cause significant damage as they build their nests. The best way to eliminate and prevent future problems with big headed ants is to call a professional ant exterminator. At Pest Control Inc, we use a variety of different treatment techniques, including surveillance, baiting, and exclusion solutions. We offer residential as well as commercial pest control services.
