Insidious Invader Ants Are Attracted to Electronic Devices

Crazy Raspberry Ants are fast moving, barely visible ants that gravitate toward electronic current for some reason. They move fast and circle in wild little orbs. Almost like an eerie science fiction movie, these invader ants are more than a nuisance.

Usually 1/8 of an inch long, they can be misconstrued with other ant species that have similar behavior.

With a penchant for electronic devices, they gather inside of computers, transformers, wall outlets and more.

Houston, Texas is being invaded by a species that is reported to be ¼ inch long. (Everything's bigger in Texas?) Much easier to see, this variety destroys larger electrical devices, such as swimming pool pumps, for example. They are dubbed Crazy Raspberry ants.

How do ants destroy electrical and electronic equipment?

The first thought might be that they chew the insulation on the wires, but that's not the problem. When they accumulate inside of an electrical motor, or electronics device they often become very thickly populated. Enough so, that they form a conductive chain, causing a "short" or an arc in the circuitry.

More than this, they are found roaming through medicine cabinets and have been found crawling on toothbrushes. They may be discovered between the layers of folded clothing, towels, or bedding.

It's very important to define the exact species (crazy or otherwise) because different extermination methods apply to the varied types.

Certain types feed off of the carcasses of other ants. In effect, a mass spraying will provide lots of food for these tiny invaders. In the end, the abundance of food actually increases the populations of oncoming generations.

Moreover, one variety that mimics the appearance of the crazy raspberry ant actually thrives after a spraying. The queen of the hive is deeply buried, and spraying somehow triggers her metabolism to reproduce more rapidly.

How to capture for close up inspection

It takes quick reflexes and not so squeamish nerves, to be able to identify the species you are dealing with. They are erratic and shy. The best time to find one of these ants is during a quiet, shadowy moment.

Look for them near moisture such as kitchen sinks and bathrooms. They might also hide under soap dispensers or coffee pots.

Have some non aerosol hairspray and a toothpick ready. When it's dark, enter the room and flip the light switch on; look closely for their movement

Quickly tap one just enough to disable its movement. Move it to a piece of paper or cardboard for a display place. Hopefully, it will probably be intact enough to examine the colors, and other characteristics.

The object is to immobilize it without causing any distortion.

Open the hairspray and use the bottom end of the applicator letting it drip onto the specimen. Here's where using the toothpick keeps the ant specimen corralled into the hair spray droplet, just long enough to let the hairspray dry.

Afterwards, a magnifying glass inspection shows the varied colors, the size of the antennas, and other identifying characteristics.

Once identified through this range of features, you can be sure of the method of extermination that works the best. See the resource box for hyperlink references with photos and extermination methods for this destructive and bazaar ant species.

Ref MSN.com 12/11/10 issue