There is a vast amount of different species of ants. The main problem species of ants are Argentine ants, Darwin ants, White footed house ants and the native flower ant. All queens of ant colonies need protein and carbohydrate at various stages in their lives, which is why you’ll see ants targeting either pet food, dead/dying insects, rodents, etc. (for protein) or sugar, jam, cakes, etc. (for carbohydrates).
What you can do
- Put all leftover food (including pet food) away in sealed containers or in the fridge.
- Clean up food/drink spills immediately.
- Regularly spray your plants for aphids and scale as ants are attracted to these insects as a food source.
- Keep tree branches/exterior foliage trimmed away from touching the house as this is an easy access point.
- Consider using gravel or scoria as opposed to bark around the exterior perimeter gardens – ants prefer bark. This also makes it easier to inspect and control any problems that may arise.
- Consider not using weed mat on gardens directly around the perimeter of your home. Weed mat has proven to be a source of protection and a great harbourage area for ants to nest and colonise in.
- Before you contact us, take note of where you are seeing the ants trailing from, whether they are black or brown and whether they are targeting sweets/carbohydrates or proteins.
What we can do to help you
Inspection and identification of the species is key. This is important to the type of treatment we will carry out. Depending on the severity and location of the problem we may recommend treatment to the interior, exterior, roof void and/or sub-floor. Generally these treatments would include spraying and/or dusting, and sometimes baiting is also an option. All ant problems are unique, as are all buildings/structures that they invade and the exterior areas that they are harbouraging in. Therefore inspection, advice and recommendations are based on each individual scenario.
We can also provide ongoing ant control programs if required.
DIY Ant Control Products
