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VELVET ANT PREVENTION
Velvet ants are solitary and usually found only one at a time. To avoid these stinging ants, contact a pest management professional to safely remove any cow killer ants found in your home.
The common name of “velvet ant” is misleading because velvet ants are actually wasps. They get the “velvet” part of their name from the very fuzzy females, which are wingless and often brightly colored.
Habits
The boxelder bug population lives and thrives on maple and seed-bearing boxelder trees during the warmer months where they lay their eggs and feed on leaves, flowers and seeds. Occasionally, they will feed on the fruits of plum and apple trees.
Habitat
Female cow killer ants are typically seen running somewhat erratically on the ground, especially on bare or sandy areas in the warm summer months. They occasionally enter structures for insect prey. Males are often found on flowers, although some species are nocturnal.
Threats
Female velvet ants have a very potent sting that has earned them the nickname “cow-killer.” Male velvet ants lack a stinger but have wings.
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VELVET (“COW KILLERS”) ANTS DASYMUTILLA OCCIDENTALIS
Pest Stats
Color:
Black, with areas of very bright red, orange, yellow or white
Legs
6
Shape
Females – wingless, ant-like; Males – winged, wasp-like
Size:
1/8 – 7/8” (3-23 mm)
Flight:
Yes
Antennae:
Yes
Region:
Found throughout U.S
States:
All 50
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