Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

Identification of Velvet Ant

Question: Orange and black furry ants! What kind are these, are they dangerous, and how do i get rid of them?

Answer: What you have found is often called a velvet ant (but it is not an ant) or a cow killer (and they don't kill cows). This fuzzy or furry insect may be yellow, orange, red, or white, often with black bands. They are usually found one at a time and not in large groups.

The velvet ant is actually a female parasitic wasp (Family Multillidae). The males look more like wasps (they have wings) but are rarely seen.

The velvet ant walks on the ground looking for ground nesting wasps, such as yellow jackets. The female velvet ant then crawls inside the wasp nest to lay her eggs. The eggs hatch and feed on the other wasp larvae! Velvet ants are not common, but during this time of year many people notice them, and become alarmed. These wasps can deliver a painful sting, so it is best to leave them alone.

A garden insecticide can be used to get control if it seems there are several of them in the yard. Otherwise they can be left alone, since they are helping to control some of the ground-nesting wasps in the area.

Ask Orkin

Get More Answers from Orkin

How do I get rid of tiny red bugs in my bathroom?

Q

I looked online, and it sounds like they are chiggers. If this is what they are, is there something that can be done?

How do I get roaches out of my car?

Q

How do I get roaches out of my car?

How do I kill house lizards?

Q

How do I kill house lizards?

Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?

Q

Could it be ants instead of termites causing the damage?

Long, brown, hard shell bug that jumps

Carpenter Ant Infestation in the House

Q

Large carpenter ant infestations can cause structural damage to your home. Make sure your home is protected from carpenter ants with Orkin.

Spraying for bed bugs did not work

Q

If the neighboring unit has bed bugs, am I looking at being sprayed every three months?

What Do Bed Bugs and Eggs Look Like on Clothes?

Q

What do I do with the clothes?

Do you use super heating to kill bed bugs?

Q

Do you use super heating to kill bed bugs?

Are round holes in tree from termites?

Q

There are perfectly round holes that look like they have been drilled into the base of the tree. I am told that the moisture is just the water seeping out of the tree! Is it termites?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now