Behavior

Velvety tree ants live in large colonies with a single queen. Colony nests can be found in trees, stumps, underneath stones, and along streams; in some areas of Mexico, velvety tree ant larvae – collected from the agave (tequila) or maguey (mescal) plants – are mixed with guacamole and prized as a delicacy. Indoors, the velvety tree ant enters in columns searching for sweets. This ant will travel up to 200 feet from its nest, which can be troublesome for picnickers. Velvety tree ants are known for the smelly odor that occurs when they are crushed; the smell is similar to a rotting coconut.

Treatment:

Keeping the velvety tree ant from entering your home is important: Cut away tree branches that contact your house, and get rid of decaying parts of trees on your property. Once the velvety tree ant gets inside, your best bet is to call Clark Pest Control, as this ant is difficult to control.

Latin name: Liometopum occidentale