Crazy Ant (Paratrechina longicornis)

Fast, Erratic Movement • Electronics & Walls Invader

Crazy Ant – Connecticut Identification & Behavior Guide

Crazy ants are named for their rapid, unpredictable movement. Though less common in Connecticut than in the southern U.S., they are increasingly found in commercial buildings, apartments, and heated homes. Their ability to infest electronics and wall voids makes them a difficult pest to manage.

Identification:

• Size: 1/16 inch
• Color: Dark brown to black
• Legs: Long and slender
• Movement: Rapid, erratic
• Antennae: Extra long

Behavior & Habitat:

Crazy ants prefer:

• Warm indoor environments
• Electronics (computers, appliances, outlets)
• Baseboards and wall voids
• Potted plants
• Bathrooms and kitchens

They form massive colonies with multiple queens.

Why They Invade Connecticut Buildings:

• Indoor heat
• High-moisture environments
• Access to sweets and proteins
• Building-to-building spread in apartments

More common in:

• Multi-unit housing
• Commercial buildings
• Heated facilities

Signs of Crazy Ants:

• Rapid, non-linear trails
• Activity around outlets
• Ants inside electronics
• Large populations appearing suddenly

When to Call a Professional:

DIY sprays scatter colonies and worsen the problem.
Professional baiting and multi-visit control are required.

Ant Control CT 

Additional Links:

• Pharaoh Ant Page 
• General Pest Control