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BIG HEADED ANTS
The BHA has been a pest in southern Florida for many years, and according to reports by pest control operators, it is becoming an even more pervasive nuisance as it displaces other ants, such as the red imported Fire Ant and the White-Footed Ant in some areas. It is possible that the increase in BHA infestations was caused by several years of excessive hurricane activity from 2003 to 2005 in Florida that damaged lawns and killed trees that necessitated the use of increased amounts of sod and other vegetation that may have been infested with the Big Headed Ant. The BHA does not sting or cause any structural damage, and usually does not bite unless the nest is disturbed, and even then, the bite is not painful. There are some 17 species of the BHA in Florida of which 14 are native to Florida.
The BHA, a soil-nesting ant, is sometimes confused with subterranean termites because it may create debris-covered foraging tubes that are somewhat similar. More often these ants leave piles of loose sandy soil. Homeowners are annoyed by these "dirt piles" and by ants foraging in bathrooms, kitchens, around doors, and windows, as well as on exterior paved or brick walkways or driveways. Control of the BHA is difficult because the ant colonies are numerous and populations usually extend across property lines.
It is imperative that treating lawns, ornamental areas, and disturbed soils be included in any pest control program. Doing residential perimeter treatments must have supplemental applications done to the lawns, flowerbeds, around trees, along walkways and on driveways made of bricks. To obtain adequate coverage.
Since this ant reproduces so prolifically, and nest sites are often protected by being under objects, lawns and flowerbeds will probably need to be treated at least four to five times per year at maximum label rates. One-time treatments for the BHA will be of very limited value.