Citronella ants get their name from the lemon-like odour they emit when threatened or crushed.

Citronella ants mostly feed on the excretions of other insects such as aphids and mealybugs, often called “honeydew.”

Citronella ants swarm in the spring as they seek to found new colonies. They rarely nest indoors but can invade homes as they swarm.

You’re most likely to encounter the reproductive type of citronella ant, which has wings. Workers almost never leave the colony.

Citronella ants tend to build their nests outdoors. They prefer areas with warmth and moisture such as under logs, below concrete slabs and patios and in gardens. They can sometimes also nest in the soil around building foundations.

Citronella ants feed almost exclusively on the honeydew produced by certain insects, so they don’t forage for human food and garbage. They tend to be an issue for homeowners only when they are swarming in spring or fall, when they can enter homes through small cracks or crevices.

Citronella ants are not a threat to humans. They do not cause structural damage as they prefer to build nests and reproduce outdoors.

Due to their particular diet, citronella ants cannot be trapped or controlled with baits. This makes them difficult to remove entirely from your property.

If you notice citronella ants in or around your home, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will determine where they are nesting and take steps to safely and effectively remove them.