Tawny crazy ant

Tawny crazy ants are small, reddish-brown ants, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. Unlike many ants, they have long legs and antennae, and they move erratically and quickly when disturbed. They do not have a stinger.

Look for large numbers of ants foraging in and around your home, often following trails along wires, pipes, and branches. They do not build mounds, but instead nest in soil, under debris, in wall voids, and in potted plants. Heavy infestations can cause electrical shorts and damage to equipment in Myrtle Beach homes.

MBPC offers targeted treatments for tawny crazy ants using baits and non-repellent insecticides. Our licensed technicians will identify nesting sites and foraging trails to apply treatments effectively. A combination of interior and exterior applications, along with source reduction, is often necessary for long-term control in Grand Strand properties. Contact the SC Department of Pesticide Regulation for more information on pesticides.

Remove leaf litter, debris, and standing water around your home's foundation. Seal cracks and crevices in your home's exterior to prevent entry. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from your house to limit ant access – especially important with the rapid growth along the Grand Strand.

Tawny crazy ants thrive in the humid subtropical climate of Myrtle Beach, particularly in disturbed habitats and urban areas. They are often found in yards, gardens, and around buildings, nesting in soil, leaf litter, and under objects. Their ability to establish supercolonies makes them a persistent pest in coastal South Carolina.

Peak activity: Year-Round