Ants are a serious nuisance. They infest homes often travelling long distances to do so. Once there, they establish permanent nests in wall cavities, roof voids, under pavers or in timber and soil around the home.
Ants in the garden are also a nuisance as they remove seeds, damage seedlings, undermine paving and encourage aphids by protecting them from other insects.
Small Brown or Black Ant
- Most common of the ant species
- 2.5 to 3mm in length
- Found around homes in all the places mentioned above
- Bulldog or Bull Ants
- Mostly active during the day.
- There are several different species of Bull ants, all varying in size and colour, but all have large eyes, long jaws and a painful sting.
- The smaller black Bull ants move in small jumps, often called jumper or hopper ants.
- Ants are normally found in bushland or bush gardens and never in large quantities.
- Many people are severely allergic to the sting of these Bull and Hopper ants.
Control
- Ant treatment is only a control lasting for a period of 3- 6 months depending on conditions. It is not an eradication system.
- By controlling aphids in your garden you remove one of the food sources of ants.
- Sanitation is important. Empty bins, clean around pet bowls (use bowls with a moat for water surrounding the food), wipe benches and tabletops. Remove old drink bottles and cans.
- Identification of the species is essential in order to implement a control programme.
- Specialist granulated bait is available which can be placed in external infestation areas.
- Permethrin dust is used in wall cavities and roof voids to treat infestations of ants in those areas.
- Ant baiting systems sealed in plastic dispensers contain an insect growth regulator and can be placed in high activity areas.
NOTE: Often the presence of ants is a temporary situation. They may be looking for food or moisture. By following the above advice, you will be able to determine whether the ants are passing through or have moved in to stay.