Leaf Cutter Ant

Description:

This ant is a reddish rust color. The workers measure 1/12” to ½” in length. They make large volcano-like mounds.

Behavior:

Leaf Cutter Ants do what their name states. They are capable of stripping a small tree or shrub of it’s foliage over night. Leaf Cutter Ants collect the leaves and take them under ground where they are stored. The leaves grow a fungus that the ants harvest as food. They prefer well drained or sandy soil to build their nests that they use for several years.

Leaf Cutter mound Opening

Control:
Leaf Cutter Ants are best controlled with direct insecticide applications to their nesting sites. S everal gallons of material may be needed.

Fun Fact:

Leaf Cutter Ant colonies can extend down to 12 feet underground.