How To Get Rid Of Red Velvet Ants Naturally

Eventually, it is possible to see red velvet ants in areas like your garden or patio in some specific months of the year where they come out to reproduce and look for food. These belong to the wasp’s species and are covered with hair on their upper surface. They not only cause harm to humans and their pets when they bite, but they are parasites that feed on other bumblebee larvae for their food. This particular species has an antenna in the letter C’s shape all over its head.

Something to keep in mind is that this annoying species is about an inch long and can feed on sandy, grassy soils. Red velvet ants have a high potential harm ratio but not so high that they lead to death. However, it turns out to be very difficult to manage the pain caused by the sting. So you must consider some considerations to keep them away as much as possible from the comfort of your home.

What Are Red Velvet Ants?

This type of ant belongs to the wasp family and has long red hairs on its abdomen and black hairs on the rest of its body, hence its name. Something peculiar about this species is that the females lack wings to fly, so they live on the ground scampering to be able to move.

On the other hand, males have wings to fly, but they lack a stinger to not sting, unlike female ants. Males feed on nectar found in other leaves or fruits and on small larvae that nest in sandy soil.

Where Does The Red Velvet Ant Live?

These ants are usually found worldwide and are specifically found easily and mainly throughout the United States, especially in dry regions. This species is usually in open areas such as fields or meadows where they have enough land to make their nests and look for the necessary food.

However, you must bear in mind that these ants are parasites, so you can find them wherever other similar specials inhabit.

Red Velvet Ant Reproduction

The male species flies close to the ground, searching for possible mates to detect the females’ pheromones. After mating, the females sought and infiltrated terrestrial wasp nests to quickly and safely place their eggs.

From the moment of their birth, their young are alone, and there will likely be one generation of velvet ants per female each year.

Are Our Red Velvet Ants Dangerous?

These creatures are solitary, and their activity generally occurs at night hours, where they can go unnoticed by hunting other species. Red velvet wasps are normally not aggressive and do not attack unless disturbed.

Both males and females can screech when rubbing their abdominal segments giving a warning signal or being in danger.

Do Red Velvet Ants Sting?

A curious fact about this species is that only females have curved stingers that extend from the abdominal area, managing to sting several times in a second. In some species, these ants may contain poison in their stingers, causing severe pain or instant death in other species.

Do Red Velvet Ants Fly?

Red velvet ants are named after the fur on their bodies, and they are not aggressive if they are not provoked. The males of this curious species are the only ones that have transparent wings to be able to move quickly and are very similar to wasps.

On the other hand, the females do not have wings and live on the ground, constantly looking for food for their young. Unlike the males, the latter does have a stinger with poison to defend themselves if necessary.

Are Our Red Velvet Ants Harmful?

There is a very old myth that red velvet ants are similarly known as killers of mule cows and many other cattle. However, this is not entirely true. Although their bite can cause severe pain for long periods, they are not strong enough to kill another species.

Remember that only this species can bite the females, and you can only bite when they feel threatened. Without a doubt, if you have problems in your home with red velvet ants, follow these instructions and stay away as much as possible.

How To Eliminate Red Velvet Ants Naturally?

Your home is an easy and main target for the ants that tend to nest in the least unexpected corners to stay forever. Red velvet ants are no exception, so you should consider some alternatives that help you keep them away naturally and without problems.

• Vinegar and water

This is a resource very detested by ants, and to increase its effectiveness, you can add the same amount of vinegar and water in a container. This preparation can be spread throughout your home to prevent these red velvet ants from entering.

• Talcum powder

Talcum powder can act as a repellent for this annoying species and spread a little where they leave their trail to repel them quickly.

• Mint leaves

Just placing mint leaves in the areas you do not want ants to pass will be enough to keep them completely away from the spaces you want.

• Garlic

To use this method, you must crush a couple of garlic heads and add them to a pot with water that works as a spray for its proper use, spreading its mixture in your home.

How To Prevent The Red Velvet Ants From Getting Into Your House?

Although this species seems harmless at first, it can be a real nuisance to live with it even because of its strange hairy wasp appearance. Take into account some recommendations that will undoubtedly keep them away from your home so that you can enjoy family time without any problems.

• Follow up

When finding a red velvet tingling, it is advisable to eliminate it and find out exactly where it comes from to attack the problem.

• Destroy their nests

Once you have found where this species nests, it is necessary that you immediately exterminate the nest found to limit its spread. A great recommendation is to keep these nests to prevent their baby larvae from fully developing.

• Use insecticides

These implements are an excellent way to keep red velvet ants at bay, take advantage of the fact that there are various recommended insecticides in local stores.

• Avoid water stagnation

Something curious about this species is that they need water to supplement their food, so you must eliminate any bottle of water you have.