They don’t bite; they don’t sting; but they sure get into everything.
The white footed ant is the most notorious recent invader of Florida. Originally a native of Southern Japan and its neighboring islands, this ant specie has been on the move north and west from southeast Florida. Identified by entomologist Mark Deyrup in 1991, the white footed ants are believed to have settled in the Homestead, Florida area in the mid 1980s.
Originally thought to be a minor problem, the white footed ant reached pest alert status in 1998. They have now been confirmed throughout Florida and in areas of Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas.
The white footed ants' obvious success in adapting and colonizing in new locations is cause for great concern.
White footed ant biology:
A white footed ant structural invasion is not an experience you want to have. You have to truly see it to believe it. The white footed ant is without a doubt one of the top six non-native most invasive ants in Florida today. Once they are inside, they are close to impossible to eradicate. They invade wall voids, outlets, appliances, pantries and just about every nook and cranny you can imagine.
White footed ants are dark brown to brownish black and appear to be little black ants from a distance. Their large numbers foraging make their presence known quickly. They do not actually have white feet; their tibia and tarsi are light yellow.
White Footed Ant Control
If this ant has made it into your home or facility, you should contact a qualified professional pest control service, or be prepared to make a disciplined "do-it-yourself" effort.
Do not spray insecticides in your environment.
The best way to stop this invader is outside of your home:
For additional assistance, phone Ken at (941) 445-4252 or submit questions to him using our contact form.