Miscellaneous Ants
Texas Leaf Cutter Ant
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This ant is a common pest along the sandy banks of the Colorado
river. The leaf cutter ant is relatively easy to identify, mainly
because of the leaf it is carrying that is many times it size. Upon
a closer examination another identification key is the two big
spines protruding from the thorax. This fascinating ant can mow
down any plant substance in its path leaving behind a dirt path.
Control of the leaf cutter ant is rather difficult. There are not
any insecticides or baits labeled for its control. A reason that
there are not any baits available is because this ant eats a
specific fungus that it grows. The fungus the leaf cutter eats is
grown upon all the leaves that are harvested and placed within
the nest. Part of the problem with using insecticides and pouring
them into the leaf cutter entry points is that their nests can be up
to 15 feet deep. Pouring insecticides where they may travel that
far allows the possibility of water contamination.
river. The leaf cutter ant is relatively easy to identify, mainly
because of the leaf it is carrying that is many times it size. Upon
a closer examination another identification key is the two big
spines protruding from the thorax. This fascinating ant can mow
down any plant substance in its path leaving behind a dirt path.
Control of the leaf cutter ant is rather difficult. There are not
any insecticides or baits labeled for its control. A reason that
there are not any baits available is because this ant eats a
specific fungus that it grows. The fungus the leaf cutter eats is
grown upon all the leaves that are harvested and placed within
the nest. Part of the problem with using insecticides and pouring
them into the leaf cutter entry points is that their nests can be up
to 15 feet deep. Pouring insecticides where they may travel that
far allows the possibility of water contamination.
Bob Klepac Exterminating Service
for Pest Control in
Bay City, Texas (979) 245-5700
Bellville Sealy, Texas(979) 865-0088
for Pest Control in
Bay City, Texas (979) 245-5700
Bellville Sealy, Texas(979) 865-0088