An invasive species of ants have been found throughout Southeast Texas and have made their way into Tomball, according to a local exterminator.

The Tawny Crazy Ants, also known as the Raspberry or Caribbean Crazy Ant, were first discovered in south Houston, but have recently migrated to the northern area, causing problems for homes and businesses in Cypress, The Woodlands and Tomball.

"The thing with these ants is that they don't bite or sting, but there are billions per acre," said Steve Durham with EnviroCon in Hockley. "They like to invade electrical components and bridge across the wiring, which can cause corrosion and other problems."

Durham said the invasion can cause problems for businesses or homes if the ants move into a building where they can get into switches, computers and other electrical wiring.

The ants also have a high reproductive rate and do not follow a particular path when moving. According to Durham, these ants move sporadically, making them very difficult to exterminate and is also the reason for their name.

Durham first discovered the Crazy Ants last week at a business in Tomball, where he found tens of thousands of ants in a well switch. Since then, he has treated the problem using strong spray and granules to kill the ants.

"The EPA has allowed special use labeling for termite products that can be used twice per year to kill them," Durham said. "Store-bought products just don't work on these ants and it's partly because there are so many of them."

While Durham said that calling a professional pest or bug control company is the most effective way to get rid of the ants, there are some preventative measures home and business owners can take.

"These ants like shallow nests," Durham said. "They like to nest under things on the ground like pallets, landscaping rocks, old tires and kiddie pools. People should minimize the stuff lying on the ground around their house or business and get rid of any plant or tree debris lying around, and then call a professional company to come out."