BaitsĪnt baits are useful when sprays and dusts cannot be used (for example in hospitals), or when the nest cannot be located. They should always be applied lightly and carefully to avoid the risk of humans exposure to them. Dusts are not effective outside as they may become unsettled and they must remain dry to be effective. Dusts are particularly useful in sensitive areas such as electrical power boxes and in roof voids. Dustsĭusts may be applied directly to nesting sites, or sprinkled lightly on surfaces where ants travel. They can be applied to sites of activity, but are more useful for treating nests located in enclosed spaces. Be aware that space sprays are only of limited use in ant control. When combined with good hygiene, surface sprays should provide suitably long-term prevention.

Surface sprays may be applied to nesting sites, travel routes such as cracks in paths, walls, skirting boards and door frames, and areas where ants gain access to the building such as window sills, door jambs, wall voids, cupboards, cracks and crevices. A number of pesticide formulations can be used for ant control. Food left outside (for example pet food) can also attract ants near the house. Chemical control methodsĬleaning up and limiting food particles and residues around the house may reduce infestations. Pheromones are detected by ants through their long, thin antennae, which can also perceive smells. Ants use pheromones to leave trails for food sources, to send alarm signals for help and to differentiate between caste groups. CommunicationĪnts communicate with each other using chemical signals called pheromones. The development from egg to adult may take from six weeks to very long periods, depending on the species, season and food availability. Once the adult emerges, its cuticle hardens and darkens. In some species the pupa is protected by a silk cocoon.

The pupa is similar in shape to the adult but is usually soft, white and inactive. Adult workers feed the larvae and after sufficient feeding and several moults, the larva pupates. The larva is a white grub with a narrow head. Fertilised eggs become females (usually sterile workers), but at certain times also fertile females (which can potentially become queens). The life cycle of an ant consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. If wings are present, the forewings are larger than the hind wings. The ‘elbowed’ antennae and constricted abdominal segment make ants distinct in their physical appearance when compared to other insects. Ants have compound eyes and ‘elbowed’ antennae. When viewed under a powerful lens, the pedicel may contain projections called nodes, which are useful in identifying the ant species. Small, constricted abdominal segments (the pedicel) connect the thorax and abdomen, giving the ant a ‘waist’. Most species of ant have three distinct body segments: head, thorax and abdomen. Nearly all ant colonies have fertile males called ‘drones’ and one or more fertile female called ‘queens’.Ĭontrary to common belief ants are not related to termites, and cannot damage sound timber. These perform specific tasks, such as feeding and caring for the immature forms, and appear physically different. Workers may be specialised, for example into minor and major (or soldier) castes. Larger colonies consist mostly of sterile wingless females which form castes of ‘workers’. In adverse conditions a change of nest site is not uncommon.Ĭolony sizes vary nests can range from a few dozen, to millions of individuals. They are social insects that usually live in permanent nests. Pest ants often nest in and around buildings, congregate in food preparation are as and have the potential to spread disease.Īnts feed on a wide variety of foodstuffs and can be predators or scavengers. Only a handful of these (mostly introduced species) are considered pests. In Australia there are over 4000 known species of ants. Ants are of ecological importance for their roles as predators and scavengers, in seed and pollen dispersal, and in soil structure. Ants belong to the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.

Ants newsletter for parents plan for preschool