What Are Zombie Ants?

Zombie ants might sound like something straight out of a horror movie, but they are a real and fascinating phenomenon in the natural world. Unlike horror movie zombies, they aren’t reanimated dead beings or undead corpses. Instead, these ants have become hosts to parasitic fungi that hijack their bodies, turning them into mindless slaves.

“Ophiocordyceps unilateralis” is a parasitic fungus that specializes in infecting ants. This parasitic relationship begins when a spore of the Ophiocordyceps fungus lands on an unsuspecting ant. Once the spore comes into contact with the ant, it attaches itself and begins to grow. As the fungus infiltrates the ant’s body, it releases chemicals that manipulate the ant’s central nervous system. Over the course of a week, the ant is compelled to leave its colony and climb vegetation, where it clamps onto a leaf or twig using its mandibles. The ant then succumbs to the fungus and dies. Several days later, the fungus grows a stalk-like structure from the back of the ant’s head, which then releases spores to infect more ants below.

Do People in Washington State Need to Be Concerned About Zombie Ants?

While zombie ants are indeed a natural phenomenon, they are not a cause for concern for residents of Washington state or any other region. Ophiocordyceps unilateralis primarily targets specific ant species in tropical rainforests, where the conditions are ideal for its life cycle. Washington state, with its temperate climate and distinct ant species, does not provide the necessary environment for these parasitic fungi to thrive. Furthermore, zombie ants are relatively rare, even within their natural habitat. Their intricate life cycle and specialized interactions with their ant hosts limit the spread of the fungus. Therefore, people living and working in Washington state can rest assured that they are unlikely to encounter this bizarre phenomenon in their daily lives.

Treatment Options

The unique relationship between zombie ants and Ophiocordyceps unilateralis does not pose a threat to human health or agriculture in Washington state. As mentioned earlier, these parasitic fungi are highly specialized and unlikely to affect humans, pets, or crops. However, if you happen to encounter an infected ant or are curious about the fascinating world of parasitic fungi, it’s essential to remember that Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is a part of the natural ecosystem. Interfering with this delicate balance of nature is generally not advisable. Observing and appreciating these interactions from a safe distance is the best course of action.

Treating Other Ants in Washington

Zombie ants are an interesting example of the complex and sometimes gruesome nature of, well … nature. And while they aren’t found here in Washington state, we do have other ants that must be dealt with. If you have carpenter ants, nuisance ants, pavement ants, or moisture ants in your home or on your property, it may be time to call a professional. Contact us to discuss your treatment options and get a free estimate. Have more questions regarding Pest Control? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page.