Velvety Tree Ants

Physical Characteristics of Velvety Tree Ants

• Velvety tree ants are shades of red and black in color with a shiny velvety belly.
• Can grow between 1/8″ to 1/4″ in length and can be fast runners.
• They release an unpleasant odor when crushed.

Velvety Tree Ant Behavior

• Known to be aggressive and territorial.
• Velvety tree ants nest in moist wood and in the cracks of trees.
• They tend to invade homes when searching for food, nesting indoors in wet or rotting wood.

Las Vegas Food Sources

• Velvety tree ants will eat anything sweet. They tend to eat honeydew excreted from aphids.
• Velvety tree ants will also eat live and dead insects.

Velvety Tree Ant Life Cycle

• Colonies can grow from 60,000 to 80,000 workers in one year, only a small percentage will reach the adult stage.
• Males can live from 15 to 37 days while queens can live 19 – 268 days.
• Life cycles can vary depending on humidity and temperature.

Velvety Tree Ant Las Vegas Information and Warnings

• Velvety tree ant colonies may be hard to find since nests are far above the ground.
• They usually nest outdoors but can enter homes when looking for other food sources.
• Be cautious in areas of your home where there is wet or rotting wood.
• Velvety tree ants are different compared to other pests. They are easily quick to bite if they feel threatened.

 

The best way to treat and prevent a Las Vegas infestation is to have Fischer’s Pest Control inspect the area and determine how to eliminate the ants. Contact us at (702) 348-9278 for a free consultation.