(Lasius interjectus)
The yellow ant may not have a stinger, but it can become a problematic pest if a colony takes up residence in your home.
Did you know the yellow ant gets its name from the distinctive yellow colour of its body? They’re also called citronella ants because when crushed, they release a citrus or lemon-like scent.
Yellow ants (citronella ants) are yellowish to yellow-orange, with worker ants measuring between 1/8 and 3/16 inches (4 to 4.5 mm) long. Workers are monomorphic (one size), and there is only one queen in the nest. They have a single node connecting the pedicel to the thorax and abdomen, and an unevenly rounded profile. The swarmer (winged ants) are approximately double the size of workers and have dark, smoke-colored wings.
Yellow ants (citronella ants) often build their nests in areas with high moisture. Inside homes, they can be found in damp wood, such as behind bathroom tub tile walls or in moist crawl spaces. Large colonies have been observed in the soil of crawlspaces under houses and along building foundations. Outdoors, their nests are typically located in soil near buildings, along foundation walls, or beneath decaying logs. The dirt mounds created from their tunnel digging can grow as large as three feet in diameter.
The lifecycle of the yellow ants, also called citronella ants, has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The queen lays eggs that hatch into larvae. These larvae develop into pupae and then mature into adult workers. The workers take care of the nest, find food, and look after the queen and young ants. When the nest matures, winged reproductives (females and males) are produced. These winged ants leave the nest to mate and start new colonies. This event, called swarming, happens in June and July (range April to September) on warm, humid, and calm days. After mating, the males die, and the fertilized queens lose their wings and search for new places to build nests. Indoors, swarms may be released throughout the winter, primarily into heated basements.
What do yellow ants (citronella ants) eat?
Yellow ants primarily feed on honeydew, a sugary liquid produced by underground insects such as aphids and mealybugs. They generally do not eat human food.
Do yellow ants (citronella ants) spread disease?
Yellow ants are not known to spread diseases to humans. They are mostly considered a nuisance pest rather than a health threat.
Are yellow ants (citronella ants) difficult to control?
If yellow ants are found indoors, it indicates a moisture issue, and decaying wood or a poorly ventilated crawlspace. A vacuum cleaner can be used to remove them from inside the home, but locating the nest is key to getting rid of them.
To control yellow ants outdoors, locating the nest is key. Check areas along foundation walls, under stones, landscape timbers, and firewood. For effective prevention and control, homeowners may want to consult a licensed pest professional, like Abell.
What can I do to prevent a yellow ant (citronella ant) infestation?
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