Elongate Mexican
Twig Ant
Overview & Quick Facts
Keep ants out of your home or business with
effective identification and control strategies.
A Closer Look at Elongate Mexican Twig Ant
Slender, speedy, and often mistaken for wasps, the Elongate Mexican Twig Ant (Pseudomyrmex gracilis) is one of the more unusual ant species found in the southeastern U.S., including Florida. While not destructive or aggressive, their sudden appearances in homes and outdoor structures can make them a surprise guest you weren’t expecting.
🐜 Quick Facts
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Scientific name: Pseudomyrmex gracilis
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Common names: Twig ant, Elongate twig ant, Mexican twig ant
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Size: ¼ to ½ inch long
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Color: Dark brown to reddish-brown
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Notable features: Long, wasp-like body and large eyes
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Behavior: Fast, solitary foragers that prefer trees and high places
🌴 Where Do They Live?
Originally from Central and South America, these ants are now found in:
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Southern U.S. (especially Florida and Texas)
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Trees, shrubs, and landscaped areas
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Attics, eaves, and rooflines when venturing indoors
They typically nest in:
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Hollow twigs and branches
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Tree holes and cavities
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Outdoor light fixtures and wall voids
⚠️ Are They Harmful?
Not really. These ants:
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Don’t damage wood like carpenter ants
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Rarely sting or bite humans
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Can become a nuisance pest when they forage indoors or nest near homes
They’re more startling than dangerous—especially given their speed and wasp-like shape.
🧠 Fun Fact!
The Elongate Mexican Twig Ant has such large eyes compared to most ants that it’s believed they rely more on vision than chemical trails when foraging—kind of rare in the ant world! This gives them better navigation when moving solo along branches or scouting new nest sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Elongate Mexican
Twig Ants
What is the Elongate Mexican Twig Ant?
The Elongate Mexican Twig Ant (Pseudomyrmex gracilis) is a slender, fast-moving ant that resembles a small wasp. It’s known for its elongated body, large eyes, and arboreal (tree-dwelling) habits. Though not aggressive or destructive, it can become a nuisance around homes and buildings.
Are twig ants actually ants?
Yes! Despite their wasp-like appearance and movement, twig ants are true ants. The confusion comes from their long legs, thin waists, and jerky movement, which mimic some wasp behaviors.
Do twig ants sting or bite?
Twig ants can sting, but they are not aggressive and rarely do unless directly threatened or handled. Most people will never be stung by one.
Where are they commonly found?
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Geographic range: Southern U.S., especially Florida and Texas
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Habitats: Trees, shrubs, palm fronds, rooflines, and outdoor light fixtures
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Occasional indoor sightings: Attics, ceilings, or around windows
They nest in hollow twigs, plant cavities, and tree bark.
What do they eat?
Twig ants feed on:
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Nectar
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Honeydew from plant-sucking insects like aphids
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Small insects and arthropods
They may enter homes in search of water or sweet substances, but they are not food pests like some other ant species.
Why are they in my house?
They may enter homes by accident while foraging or seeking shelter, especially if:
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Tree branches touch the roof or siding
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There are gaps in soffits or attic vents
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You live near wooded or landscaped areas
Do twig ants cause damage?
No. Twig ants do not damage wood or structures, and they don’t infest food. They are considered a nuisance pest, not a destructive one.
How do I get rid of twig ants?
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Trim trees and shrubs away from your home
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Seal cracks and gaps in exterior walls and rooflines
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Remove dead branches or leaf litter near your home
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Inspect potted plants or garden features before bringing them inside
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If you see them regularly, contact a pest control professional to help identify and treat nesting sites
Struggling with ants in your home or yard? Whether it's fire ants, carpenter ants, ghost ants, or any other species, Hannan Environmental Services offers expert ant control and prevention throughout South Florida. Our trained technicians provide safe, effective, and long-lasting solutions to keep your home pest-free. Contact us today for reliable service you can trust! Feel free to also reach out to Hannan Environmental Services on Facebook!