Velvety Tree Ants

Velvety tree ants get their name from the dense hairs on their abdomen that create a velvety look. Although they look soft to the touch, these ants are anything but harmless. They can be quite aggressive when provoked, delivering a painful bite and depositing secretions in the bite wound. Velvety tree ants generally prefer to be outside but will make their way inside in search of food or shelter. If these aggressive ants have migrated inside, it’s important to address the situation quickly to keep your family and pets from getting bitten.

How to Identify Velvety Tree Ants

As their namesake suggests, velvety tree ants have a velvety black abdomen with a dark head and reddish thorax and measure about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. They typically make their nests in the crooks of trees. Depending on the location, they nest in oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, pines, and in dead wood, such as old trees and logs. They may also infest structural wood and insulation. If you happen to step on one of these ants, they will produce a very distinctive odor.

How to Prevent Velvety Tree Ants

Velvety tree ants, like other ant species, will stay and nest where they have ample food and shelter. While they prefer to stay outside they will also wander inside in search of food or shelter. If you want to keep velvety ant populations low around your property, remove food and water sources from around your property. This includes dog food, trash cans, and even birdbaths. Sealing cracks in your foundation will also keep these ants from entering your home. Velvety tree ants crave moisture so will likely seek refuge in your basement before moving to other parts of your home.

Safeguard Your Home from Velvety Tree Ants

As an aggressive ant species, velvety tree ants aren’t a pest you want to leave unchecked. Their painful bite in addition to their ability to contaminate food, pose serious risks to you and your family. If velvety tree ants are encroaching on your property, call PURCOR to inspect and treat your home for these tree-loving pests. Our trained pest control experts will identify whether or not you have Velvety tree ants and determine a mode of treatment for your home. Regain your peace of mind and schedule your free quote today.