What food source do Yellow Crazy Ants frequently 'farm' near their outdoor nests?

Honeydew-producing insects like scale insects

A significant component of the Yellow Crazy Ant's ecological interaction, particularly influencing their habitat location, is their mutualistic relationship with sap-sucking insects. Specifically, they are known to 'farm' honeydew-producing insects, the most commonly cited example being scale insects, often found on the foliage of garden plants or trees. The ants feed on the sweet, sugary excrement, or honeydew, produced by these insects. In return, the ants fiercely defend their 'livestock' against predators, such as parasitic wasps or other competing insect species. This behavior means that management efforts are often most effective when focused on areas where these honeydew resources are abundant, as the ant colony origin is frequently situated nearby.