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Ants & Pest Control for Ants
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Identify the ant pest species and learn about
the safer and effective ant control methods
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Most ant species are highly developed social insects that live
in permanent nests, which depending on the species, may be in the
soil, in timber, under pavers, in wall cavities or roof voids.
Ants may travel large distances in search of food. Even the cleanest
of homes can provide a ready food source for ants which once found
can invade in large numbers, such that professional help is required.
Some inflict severe bites but most are a nuisance pest when they
infest kitchens and BBQ areas in large numbers. |
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Identification & Pest Control Methods
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Identification of the particular species of ant is vital to implementing
a control program.
Where necessary permethrin dust is used in wall cavities and roof
voids. Permethrin is the natural extract of the pyrethrum plant.
Recently developed ant baiting systems, which includes an insect
growth regulator in a sealed plastic dispenser, are can placed near
high activity areas. Also a specialist granulated bait is now available
which can be placed in external infested areas. |
Identification: the worker of the White-footed house ant is around
2.7mm in length, and black in color with yellow feet.
Biology: Colonies of white-footed house ants often contain many satellite
nesting sites spread over a wide area. The entire brood may contain
several million workers and numerous reproductive queens. White-footed
house ants have a preferance for sweet tasting food, such as sugar,
soft drinks and the like.
Nesting sites: their nests are commonly found outdoors, in the ground
or above ground in trees, in buildings, such as, in wall cavities,
roof voids, architraves and fireplaces. They are known to get into
and short-circuit air conditioners. |
Identification: the Odorous house ant is about 2 to 3 mm in length;
of uniform black to brown in color and if crushed, has a distinct
rotten odor, like rancid butter.
Biology: Odorous house ant colonies can contain around 10,000 ants
and contain numerous reproductive females, thet can establish subsidiary
colonies. Ants from different colonies are not aggressive toward
each other.
Nesting sites: their nests are commonly found include outdoors in
the soil, under the base of trees, and indoors. Nests in the soil
are usually shallow, situated under a stone, pavers or other flat
object. They commonly nest under buildings and inside wall cavities,
particularly if there is a regular moisture source available, say
from leaking plumbing, shower recess, broken guttering and roof tiles. |
Identification: The Common coastal brown ant is often confused for
the Argentine Ant. The workers 2 to 3 mm in length.
Nesting sites: They build their nests in wall cavities, garden beds
and sub-floor areas. |
Identification: Carpenter ants vary in colour from black to dark
brown to an browish orange. The workers are 6 to 12 mm in length.
Biology: Carpenter ants often enter buildings to nest and forage.
They excavate their nests in wood (hence the name "carpenter" ants),
creating smooth tunnels and galleries. The colonies of some species
of Carpenter ants, may exceed 100,000 workers, with multiple queens
and satellite nesting sites. Most species are smaller and require
many years to reach maturity. They can travel long distances in search
of food.
Nesting sites: they most often build their nests outside, in moist
wood, soil, wigs and branches, but some species will readily infest
timbers in buildings. |
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Learn about other common household pests
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termite
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