Citronella Ants Identification Guide
Quick Facts About Citronella Ants
Citronella ants are yellow ants that live underground and rarely forage indoors. Most homeowners only notice them when winged swarmers suddenly appear inside, and many assume they’re termites.- Size: About 1/8 to 3/16 inch
- Color: Yellow to orange; swarmers are darker with wings
- Smell: Lemon or citronella odor when crushed
- Body: One node
- Nests: Underground, along foundations, under slabs, and beneath stones and logs
- Diet: Honeydew from root-feeding aphids underground
Citronella Ant Swarmers vs. Termites
Winged citronella ants often swarm indoors in late winter and spring, emerging from basements, crawl spaces, and slab cracks. That timing overlaps with termite swarms.- Antennae: Ants have elbowed antennae; termites have straight ones.
- Waist: Ants have a pinched waist; termites have a thick one.
- Wings: Ant front wings are longer than the back wings; termite wings are equal.
- Smell: Crush one: a lemony smell means citronella ants.
If you’re not certain, save a few in a sealed bag and have them identified. See our termite guide.
Signs and Where They Nest
- Indoor swarms: Winged yellow ants near basement walls, slab cracks, and windows, usually in late winter or spring
- Soil piles: Small piles of soil near foundations or slab edges
- Outdoor nests: Under stones, logs, and mulch near the house
Health & Property Risks
Citronella ants are harmless. They don’t damage wood or structures, rarely forage for food indoors, and swarmers die off within a day or two.
What to Do About Citronella Ants
- Vacuum swarmers: Winged ants indoors can simply be vacuumed up.
- Find the entry: Seal cracks in slabs, basement walls, and around plumbing where swarmers emerge.
- Treat the nest: If swarms repeat, the nest is likely along or under the foundation and can be treated directly.
If you’re not sure whether you’re seeing ants or termites, a free inspection settles it. See our ant control services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the yellow ants in my basement?
Often citronella ants, especially if they’re winged and appear in late winter or spring. They smell like lemon when crushed.
Are citronella ants termites?
No, but their swarmers are often mistaken for termites. Ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist, and uneven wings.
Are citronella ants harmful?
No. They don’t damage structures or sting, and they rarely forage indoors.
Why do citronella ants smell like lemon?
They release a chemical with a lemon or citronella scent when crushed or disturbed.
How do I get rid of citronella ant swarmers?
Vacuum them up and seal the cracks they’re coming through. If swarms repeat, have the nest treated.
