Detailed information on Leaf-cutting Ants (Atta texana)

p

phrelco

Dewey, AZ (Zone 8b) | October 2025 | Neutral

It looks like I'm the only one that doesn't have a negative response to leaf-cutting ants.
Born in South America and living there the first four years of my life, getting down on my knees watching a procession of these ants pass by on the sidewalk in front of where I lived was one of the highlights of my day. Of course, living in a tropical jungle-like setting, it wasn't a big deal. They had plenty of forage to pick from. Besides, back then DDT was your friend.

O

OldWrangler

Spring, TX | February 2013 | Negative

I grow small trees which I ultimately train into Bonsai. We have Cutter Ant colony in the back of my neighbor's yard but come to me to strip plants. The colony mound is probably 20' in circumference and no telling how deep but from all the surface dirt they have dug up a bunch. The mound is about 2-3' high. Our neighbor's pest service came and treated the mound but since she only paid him $17, she probably got what she deserves...no guarantee.
I am trying a home remedy of my grandpa's. Mix equal amounts of baby powder and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle the entrance of the mound as well as the trails they leave. And damned if it hasn't worked great. It may not kill them but they are certainly encouraged to move somewhere else. They have not cut anything in my yard for about a month and I ... read more

s

starr56

Roma, TX (Zone 9b) | October 2010 | Negative

My husband and myself have been fighting this leaf-cutting ants for months..they started on our neighbors yard and they just simply took homestead on our yard..we have tried Amdro but they just spit it out.
Can anybody give us a sure killer so we can eradicate them.

l

leita

Rockport, TX (Zone 9a) | September 2010 | Negative

It took them two whole nights to finish the job, but most of my garden (especially the hibiscus and zinnias) looks like a war zone, hardly anything left but sticks. My favorite nursery has a bait that I'll be trying but does anyone know whether my plants can be saved or should I start over again?

T

Thunderstorm

Willis, TX | August 2007 | Negative

Yes, these ants are alive and well in rural east Texas. They seem to choose a favorite plant to chew up to make food for their young in their vast underground storerooms. Unfortunately for us, they have chosen my roses, with their favorites being my Cramoisi Superieur hedge. Over a weekend, and mostly during the nights, they managed to strip a 75 plant hedge to the bare stems.

I fought them down with Demon Maxx which worked for a few months. Then last summer we used the generic of TalStar, which again worked for a few months. Hot, sticky, sweaty work, spraying a large garden. And I hate messing with the chemicals. The organic controls such as diatomaceous earth and nematodes did not help AT ALL. These ants are tenacious, and hard to kill.

This year we paid ... read more

W

Wieboldt

Thorndale, TX (Zone 8b) | October 2006 | Negative

We have atta Texana, Texas leaf cutter ant on our property near Austin, TX. I need help in getting rid of them as they are stripping my pomegranates. So far, we have found nothing to truly destroy them.

t

turbosbabe96

Ingleside, TX (Zone 9a) | October 2006 | Negative

These things can cause major havoc on plants! In less than 4 hours, they stripped every single leaf off of my hibiscus! I had arrived home at 2 pm and went to leave my house around 6 that same evening. My hibiscus were fine and healthy at 2..at 6, it looked as if I had literally planted STICKS in my yard!! I used Orthene the first time they struck, but that stuff is so potent, I dont like it..kills out the good bugs..I usedBayer Pesticides..I used Sevin Dust..again, dont like using harsh chemicals.. I used Instant Grits this last time..I caught em in the act and caught em in time! Seems to have worked so far! Seems to be a never-ending battle with them for me! I will keep ya posted!

Leaf-cutting Ants

Atta texana

Featured Videos