Tawny (Rasberry) Crazy Ant – Nylanderia fulva
Houston, TX takes the honor of hosting the first known Tawny Crazy Ant in 2002. They’ve spread outward from Houston and have been identified around Corpus Christi. They usually nest outdoors but invade homes. This species is omnivorous eating insects, small animals and are attracted to over-ripe fruit and “honeydew” producing hemipterans.
Tawny Crazy Ants swarm in large numbers, attack animals and people and cause damage to electrical equipment. For example, these ants are reported to have chocked-out chickens and attack larger farm animals around the eyes, nose and hooves. Residents who have dealt with the infestation of Tawny Crazy ants prefer the red imported fire ants that they are known to replace.
Characteristics:
Color: reddish-brown and may be darker or lighter.
Size: All are monomorphic and about 1/8 inch long.
Body: 12 segments of antennae without a club end, body is covered in coarse hairs and a small circle of hairs at the tip of the abdomen in place of a stinger.
Colonies: can appear as one super colony or many associated colonies that have budded off of each other. Colonies usually spread about 20-30 meters per month in urban areas.
Call iPro in Corpus Christi for premium treatment options at 361-980-7378. If you are interested to find more information on this up and coming major pest threat, the Tawny Crazy Ant, visit or call your local extension agent.
