Texas Leafcutter Ant Identification & Prevention

What You Need To Know About Texas Leafcutter Ants In Del Rio

The Texas leafcutter ant is common in Texas and throughout other parts of the southern United States. Though they are typically agricultural pests, these ants are finding their way to more and more residential properties in and around Del Rio, Texas. Learn more about these ants and the effective ant control in Del Rio that Gold Star Exterminators offers to eliminate and prevent issues with Texas leafcutter ants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Leafcutter Ants

What are Texas leafcutter ants?

Texas leafcutter ants are relatively large ants with adults growing to between ¼ and ½ inch in length. They are rust to dark brown with paler legs and antennae. These ants use their large mandibles to cut leaves and other vegetation. However, they don’t feed on the leaves and plants they harvest; they use them to grow a specific fungus. The ants bring the cut foliage into their nest, and the decomposing vegetation mixed with ant saliva creates the fungus that these ants use as a food source.

Texas leafcutter ants live together in vast colonies. Millions live and work together to build and maintain their underground nests, ensuring the success of their colony.

Are Texas leafcutter ants dangerous?

Texas leafcutter ants are not dangerous to people. While they may bite to protect themselves, they are generally harmless. However, this type of ant poses significant dangers to the agricultural industry. These ants will swarm crop fields, gardens, or trees and can cause devastating damage in a single day. They generate millions of dollars in economic loss each year.

Why do I have a Texas leafcutter ant problem?

In nature, Texas leafcutter ants play an essential role in the ecosystem by stimulating new plant growth and helping break down plant materials to add nutrients to the soil. However, when these ants find their way to our properties, they cause significant problems. Texas leafcutter ants can destroy your trees, grass, and gardens. While excess moisture in and around our homes can draw them inside, these ants are most problematic in our outdoor spaces.

Where will I find Texas leafcutter ants?

These ants are highly attracted to moisture and like to build their massive underground nests in loamy or well-draining soil. The ground around streams, ditches, and creeks are places these ants commonly call home. If your property is near a preferred habitat, has the soil they like to nest within, or has lots of grasses, weeds, plants, and other vegetation, it can attract Texas leafcutter ants. 

When these ants call your property home, you will likely notice foraging ants carrying leaf fragments or piles of leaves around their nest’s entrances and exits. The nests of Texas leafcutter ants can grow extremely large and consist of a complex network of tunnels, chambers, exits, and entrances. Worker ants will remove excrement and debris from their nest at its exits and entrances. The debris can create mounds that grow to more than two feet tall and, in the case of a large infestation, can take over your yard.

How do I get rid of Texas leafcutter ants?

The experts at Gold Star Exterminators are here to help you get rid of ants from your property. Our licensed professionals begin by performing a thorough inspection, using effective products and advanced treatments to eliminate your current Texas leafcutter ant infestation, and scheduling regular services to prevent them from returning. Please call today to learn more about our high-quality pest control treatments or schedule a free inspection!

How can I prevent Texas leafcutter ants in the future?

Use the following helpful Texas leafcutter ant prevention tips to help you avoid problems with these pests on your Del Rio property: 

• Seal cracks and gaps in and around your home’s walls, foundation, doors, and windows.
• Remove unnecessary vegetation from your Del Rio yard.
• Eliminate excess moisture that these ants could use as a food source.
• Partner with a local pest control professional who can perform the services necessary to prevent and control these pests. 

Texas leafcutter ants are unique ants. Let our professionals at Gold Star Exterminators help you with your property’s Del Rio home pest control needs.