Tag Archives: Crazy Rasberry ant

Top 3 Pests In Houston

I was fortunate enough to sit down with one of the pest management professionals at Bulwark Exterminating in Houston a few days ago, and get some much needed advice about some of the pests in the area.

One of the questions I really was interested in getting an answer too was, “What are the most common pests in the Houston area you guys get call about?”

Here are the top three pests in Houston:

3. Crazy Ants

Ants on raspberries

If I was to ask what the most called about pests are in Houston a couple years ago, the Crazy ant would not have even made the top ten. This ant, also referred to as the Rasberry Crazy ant or the Tawny Crazy ant, is a virtual newcomer to Houston. Even though this ant is relatively new to the area, it is taken over in huge numbers; pushing out other species of ant.

The reason Bulwark get’s so many calls about Crazy ants is that they will literally go everywhere. They invade homes, attracted to electrical impulses of our electronics and appliances. Once inside, they’ll nest in walls, and will damage electrical equipment by swarming inside. This behavior in known to cause air conditioners, and other electrical equipment to short out and fail. The result? Expensive repairs. Its because of this reason, homeowners get professional Houston ant control; before Crazy ant problems escalate.

Learn more about Houston Fire ants being driven out by Crazy ants. 

2. Fire Ants

Fire Ant Face

It’s hard to argue with the Fire ant being number two on the list of most common called about pests in Houston… Their stings are miserable! Fire ants make it really hard to send your kids out in the back yard to play. When your kids’ curiosity sets in, they’re going to disturb one of the fire ant mounds… It may even be by accident. Upon doing so, the colony of Fire ants will come spilling out of the mound, ready to defend their nest by stinging! When they sting, they grab tight with their pinchers and continuously sting with their abdomen in a circular motion. Multiply this a dozen times, and you have a very painful and unfortunate situation on your hands. Ouch!

When you see those huge ant mounds in your backyard, it’s time to enlist the services of a Houston Fire ant control professional.

Learn more about Houston residents battling Fire ants. 

1. Cockroaches

Cockroach

The hot and humid Houston weather, combined with the moderate winters, make ideal breeding conditions for cockroaches. Their sheer numbers are almost incomparable to almost any other major U.S. city. The mass quantities of cockroaches in Houston make them the number one most frequent pest in Houston.

Cockroaches are bugs of the night, scurrying around in the darkness looking for food and water. They are not fussy eaters at all, eating whatever organic substance they can find inside your home. Roaches are reported to spread some 33 different kinds of bacteria, diseases, worms and parasites. Professional Houston roach control is needed to eliminate them from your home.

Houston Pest Control 

If you are tired of battling Crazy ants, Fire ants, cockroaches, or any other type of pest; it’s time to call an exterminator!

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com 
 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com 
 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com 
 

Houston Fire Ants Driven Out By ‘Crazy’ Ant Species

Ant_Biting_Skin

Rasberry Crazy Ants Driving Out Fire Ants In Houston

Most of us in Houston are very familiar with the wretched Red Imported Fire ants. They make huge mounds on our property, and one painful sting from this pesky ant will be a constant reminder to keep your distance.

Over the last few years, Houston residents have been noticing a different species of ant; a species that some are calling far worse than the fire ant. I’m talking about the Rasberry (not raspberry) Crazy ant, and it’s beginning to displace fire ants in many areas in Houston.

Areas in Houston infested with Crazy ants have very few fire ants present. The reason being is that the Rasberry Crazy ants are an extremely invasive species that out-compete all other species of ant found in Houston.

Ants on raspberriesCrazy Ants vs. Fire Ants: Why Are Crazy Ants So Bad?

Rasberry Crazy ants are so bad, and so destructive, many residents are clamoring to get the fire ants back!

Crazy ants quickly outnumber other ant species because they multiply in even larger numbers. They are also difficult to control since they don’t eat the same poison baits as fire ants do.

Fire ants are in many ways very polite compared to crazy ants. When fire ants move into in your yard, they’ll form mounds and stay there. The Fire ants will only interact with you if you bother them or step on their unmistakable mounds.

Rasberry Crazy ants, on the other hand, “go everywhere,” invading homes and nesting in walls and crawlspaces, even damaging electrical equipment by swarming inside appliances. These ants are attracted to electrical impulses, chewing through electric insulation; they cause stop lights, air conditions, and other electrical equipment to short circuit. After being drawn into electrical equipment, they can easily cause shortages. Such actions often result in expensive repairs that inflict Houston homeowners.

On a positive note, Crazy ants don’t inflict painful stings like the Red Imported Fire Ants do.

Learn more about pest control methods for Fire Ants

Rasberry Crazy Ants

Imported from Brazil and Argentina in the 1930’s, the Rasberry Crazy ant has been infesting the Southeastern United States ever since. They are named after Tom Rasberry, the exterminator in Houston who discovered them. They are sometimes referred to as Tawny ants, but most people prefer the moniker “Crazy” because the ant’s erratic and non-linear movements.

Rasberry Crazy ants range in size from 1/16-1/8 inches long. They have slender bodies with long legs, and long antenna. They are reddish-brown in color, and are covered with fuzz. This fuzz makes the ant appear less glossy then other species of ant; and lead many to define the ant as “hairy.”

Ant Control In Houston, TX

Whether you are dealing with the painful stinging Red Imported Fire ant, or the destructive Rasberry Crazy ant; professional Houston Ant Control can help you with all of your ant problems. Ant control professionals in Houston are up to date on of the latest and most effective ant control methods and techniques to help Houston residents live ant free. Call today!

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com
 

 

The Rasberry Ant: A Houston Original

Rasberry Ant

Rasberry Ant

The Crazy Rasberry ant (not to be confused with raspberry) was discovered in Houston, TX by exterminator Tom Rasberry. Since the ant’s discovery in 2002, the Rasberry ant has spread to 24 different counties in the state of Texas; and to other states across the South. The ants prefer the moisture, warmth, and humidity of the coast.

Characteristics Of Rasberry Ants

Rasberry ants, sometimes referred to as Tawny crazy ants, range in size from 1/16-1/8 inches long. They have slender bodies with long legs, and long antenna. They are reddish-brown in color, and are covered with fuzz. This fuzz makes the ant appear less glossy then other species of ant; and lead many to define the ant as “hairy.”

The Crazy Rasberry ant is a type of Crazy ant, that is well know for its rapid erratic movements. They do not move linearly like other ant species. If you were to watch the ant crawl, you might think it was lost or confused. This behavior is why the ant is labeled as “crazy.”

Why Rasberry Ants Are Harmful

Rasberry ants cause harm, both physical and economic, in several different ways. Large numbers of Rasberry ants cause short circuits, electrical equipment failure, and clog switching mechanisms. In some cases the ants have caused several thousand dollars in damage and remedial costs.

There’s another characteristic that makes Rasberry ants dangerous. The death of a Rasberry ant will cause it to release a chemical pheromone that summons other Rasberry ants to attack the threat. One exterminator said “… if a hundred-thousand are killed, millions more will attack.” Trying to exterminate these ants on your own can have hazardous consequences.

Rasberry Ant Control in Houston

In infested areas, large numbers of Rasberry ants have caused great aggravation to residents and homeowners. Infestations make it uncomfortable for residents to enjoy time in their yards. These pesky ants need to be dealt with.

Products that are effective in the treatment of Rasberry ants are not readily available to the public. If you believe your house or property is infested with these ants, call a professional pest control provider.

Pest Control Houston

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com
 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com
 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com
 

Can You Control Raspberry Ants in Houston?

Foraging ants (Eciton drepanophara)

Foraging ants (Eciton drepanophara) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The crazy Raspberry ant is very pervasive and can cause many problems. They can displace other ants, insects, and wildlife. They can cause factory systems to shut down. They can contaminate water sources. They have even cause a few traffic problems when shorting out stop lights. They are indeed a nuisance pest.

Can Houston Exterminators get rid of raspberry ants?

Per a local new station, “Raspberry ants are uncontrollable.” The ants invade by the thousands. Treating yourself may provide temporary relief, but they keep coming back. One man reports that he sprays and every night he finds thousands of more dead ants. They just keep coming. They are attracted to your water supply, sugar, and climate controlled shelter. If they get in they will quickly multiply producing thousands of more ants every day. As they spread, they leave pheromones that attract more of their kind. Yes, its not a pretty sight and yes they are difficult to get rid of.

Seth, Bulwark Manager in Houston, Says He Can Do It.

While the raspberry ant isn’t an easy job to take on, it is something that can be controlled. “We have hundreds of successful cases of controlling these difficult ants, right here in Houston. It’s not easy, but with the right product and a dedicated team it can be done.” Bulwark isn’t the only pest control company that would disagree with the reporters stance on controlling raspberry crazy ants. There are other Houston exterminators that have successfully tackled the raspberry ant problem. “It would be a lie to say that others can’t do it. But I can only speak for my own track record.”

Houston Ant Control for Raspberry Ants

You can identify raspberry ants by their spastic walk. They almost look like they are dancing or having convulsions. Crazy is a very good description of them. But not to confuse other black crazy ants with the raspberry ant. Regular crazy ants have longer legs than the raspberry ant. The best treatment plan applies products that will slowly kill of the colony. If you kill of the colony too quickly then you will never get the queen or queens, raspberry ants have more than one queen. Killing off the queens is key to successful Houston ant control.

Crazy Ants Moving Through Out Texas

Raspberry ants may have started in Houston of the docks of a few ships, but they have spread across the state and state lines. Currently, Raspberry ant problems are being found in Georgetown and Round Rock. They are spreading and as a whole, they are probably impossible to control and contain at this point.

Need Houston Ant Control?

Call Bulwark Exterminating.

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive, Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930


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Ants in amber, found on Mombasa Island, on dis...

Ants in amber, found on Mombasa Island, on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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