Velvet Ants
Velvet ants are actually parasitic wasps, not true ants. Females are wingless, densely covered in bright orange, red, or white velvety hair, and are commonly seen running rapidly across bare soil and lawns. Males are winged, less conspicuous, and cannot sting. The cow killer velvet ant is the most commonly encountered species in the southern and eastern United States. Their sting is reputed to be among the most painful of any insect, earning them the cow killer nickname, though no bovine fatalities have been documented.
Species in This Group (1)
Key Behaviors
Female velvet ants are parasitoids that enter the underground nests of ground-nesting bees and wasps to lay eggs on the host larvae. They are solitary and do not form colonies. Their dense, furry covering provides protection against stings from the host insects they parasitize. They are most commonly seen running on bare, sandy soil in warm weather. They are extremely resistant to being crushed due to their tough exoskeleton.
Risks & Concerns
Velvet ant stings are extremely painful, ranking among the highest on the Schmidt Sting Pain Index. While not dangerous to healthy adults, the intense pain is alarming and can persist for up to 30 minutes. They are an incidental pest, posing risk primarily to barefoot individuals walking on lawns. Their bright coloring serves as warning coloration, and they should not be handled.
Need Help With Velvet ants?
If you're seeing signs of velvet ants in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.