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Pest Control for your business
Ant Control for Commercial Premises
Citronella ants are often mistaken for termites, especially during swarming season. These small, yellowish insects release a citrus-like odor when crushed, which gives them their name. While they don’t bite or cause damage to wood, their sudden appearance in large numbers can worry homeowners. Knowing what attracts them and how they behave can help when it comes to prevention and control.
What are citronella ants?
Citronella ants belong to the Lasius genus often referred to as Moisture Ants. Often referred to as yellow ants because of their coloration, they usually nest outdoors but may enter homes during swarming events or when their colonies are disturbed. These ants are best known for the lemony or citronella-like odor they release when crushed—a distinguishing trait that sets them apart from other ant species such as ghost ants or odorous house ants.
They’re often mistaken for termites during their reproductive swarms. However, unlike termites, citronella ants do not feed on wood or cause structural damage.
Key characteristics
Here are some quick facts to help identify citronella ants:
- Color varies from light yellow to dark reddish-yellow or light brown.
- Workers are 3/16" long.
- Swarmers are 1/8" long.
- Single node to the pedicel (the “waist” connecting thorax and abdomen).
- Sparse, erect hairs on the head, thorax, and abdomen.
The lifecycle of citronella ants
These ants go through a complete lifecycle of egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Colonies are usually made up of workers, swarmers (reproductives), and a queen.
Swarms arrive in the late winter and spring, which is when they’re most often spotted indoors. Because they appear suddenly and in large numbers, citronella ants with wings can look a lot like termites to those not familiar with the differences.
Seasonal behaviors of citronella ants
During the colder months, colonies remain mostly hidden underground or under objects like stones or logs. In spring, winged citronella ants leave the colony to mate and start new colonies. This is when they’re most likely to be noticed by homeowners. Dry conditions can also cause ants to move their colonies closer to buildings in search of moisture.
Habitat and diet of citronella ants
These ants prefer outdoor environments but can sometimes move indoors. Their colonies are usually built in soil and can be hard to spot unless disturbed.
They give off a citronella scent when crushed, which is often the first clue for identifying them. Their nests are often near homes—in gardens, lawns, or next to foundations. They’ve also been found under concrete slabs, rocks, and decaying logs. Colonies may leave visible mounds of soil at their entrance points.
Preferred environments
You’ll typically find citronella ants in areas with moist soil. Open woods, pastures, and landscaped gardens are all common nesting spots. When conditions outside change—like during droughts or heavy rain—they might move closer to or even into homes.
What do citronella ants eat?
Citronella ants don’t eat household food or cause indoor infestations in the traditional sense. Instead, they feed on honeydew, a sugary substance produced by aphids and other sap-feeding insects. They tend to aphid colonies underground and protect them in exchange for this food source.
Managing citronella ants
Seeing citronella ants with wings can be a worry, but these insects are mostly merely a nuisance. They don’t damage wood or sting. However, large swarms or repeated indoor sightings can indicate a colony close to your foundation or under a garden slab.
Calling in a professional ant exterminator for citronella ants can help identify the source and reduce the likelihood of reappearance.
Preventing infestations of Lasius claviger
To reduce your chances of a problem:
- Seal cracks in the foundation and around utility pipes
- Reduce moisture around the base of your home
- Clear leaves and debris that collect against the house
- Trim back plants and shrubs near exterior walls
DIY prevention may offer short-term results, but for long-term peace of mind and full protection, it’s best to speak with one of our technicians.
Effective citronella ant control methods
Because citronella ants nest deep in the soil, DIY treatments often miss the root of the problem. The most effective way to manage them is with professional inspection and targeted treatment that reaches the colony. If you're seeing winged ants or soil mounds around your home, let us help.
Frequently asked questions
No, they don’t bite, sting, or damage structures.
They’re drawn to moist soil and areas with plenty of aphids, which provide a food source through honeydew.
They’re not rare but can go unnoticed due to their underground nesting habits.
No, citronella ants may look similar during the swarming season, but they don’t eat wood or cause the same damage as termites.