Citronella Ants
HarmlessWhat it is
Yellow to yellow-brown ants that give off a lemon/citronella odor when crushed. They usually nest in soil and feed on honeydew from root-feeding insects, but winged forms may appear indoors during swarms.
How to recognize it
Yellow to yellow-brown ants that smell like lemon or citronella when crushed. Winged swarmers appear in late summer.
Where you will find it
Colonies live in soil, under stones and foundations, and tend root-feeding insects.
Why it matters
They are mostly harmless, but swarms indoors can mean a nest near the foundation, and they are often mistaken for termites.
What to do
- Wipe up spills, crumbs, and grease, and keep food, including pet food, in sealed containers.
- Keep trash covered and taken out regularly.
- Note where you see them and take a photo so a technician can trace the trail or nest.
- Contact a licensed pest professional before trying sprays or baits. Store-bought products can split colonies and make the problem worse.
When to call a professional
- You see ants daily or in several rooms.
- You find winged ants indoors or sawdust-like debris near wood.
- They come back after you clean.
Related pests
Acrobat Ants
Small ants named for their habit of raising the abdomen over the thorax when disturbed. They often nest in damp or decaying wood, wall voids, insulation, and around moisture-damaged areas.
Read more →
Ants
Social insects that live in colonies with workers, queens, and often winged reproductive forms. Pest species may nest indoors or outdoors and are commonly attracted to food, moisture, or suitable nesting sites.
Read more →Carpenter Ants
Large black ants that excavate galleries in wood to nest, usually where wood has been damaged by moisture. They don't eat wood, but heavy infestations can weaken it. Finding the nest and the moisture source is the key.
Read more →Field Ants
Medium-to-large outdoor ants that usually nest in soil, lawns, fields, or beneath objects. Some species build noticeable mounds and may enter structures while foraging for sweets or insects.
Read more →This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Pests vary by region and situation, and an on-site inspection is the reliable way to know what you have.