Ants

"Austrapest has been established for over 20 years"

Ants have always fascinated with the complex organisation of their social system. They are similar to termites in that they live in organised colonies with a Queen, King, workers, soldiers and reproductives, however, they are not related to termites at all.

Ants belong to the Family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera. This group includes bees and wasps, while termites belong to the more primitive order Isoptera.

Life Cycle and Habits
Ants have three clearly defined body segments - the head, thorax, and abdomen. They have large compound eyes and elbowed antennae.
Individuals undergo a complete metamorphosis going from egg to larva, to pupa, and emerge into one of the adult castes of worker, queen or male.

Metamorphosis - egg to larva to pupa	Worker Ant	Winged Reproductive	Queen

Ants will generally live in permanent nests but can change location when conditions prove unfavourable. Their feeding habits can be that of either predator or scavenger. Worker ants will forage from nest to food source, communicating to the group by laying scent trails or using smell, taste, sight and hearing.

Pest Status

Ants have a role in ecology in the breakdown of organic matter, however, they reach pest status and become a source of annoyance when they invade and scavenge in our homes. Because of their omnivorous eating habits, and because they scavenge in garbage, their ability to spread disease is obvious. Ants can nest in wall cavities, roof voids, skirting boards. Their excavations in the garder can cause unsightly cracks in paths.

Ants in Australia

Ants in Australia can be roughly separated into two groups - the Brown and the Black.


Argentine Ant - Iridomyrmex humilis	Coastal Brown Ant - Pheidole megaceephala	Whitefooted House Ant - Technomyrmex albipes
The Argentine Ant - a native of South America, infests in huge numbers and is a successful scavenger.	The Coastal Brown Ant - a small brown ant with 2 castes of workers. One caste has an enlarged darkened head.	The Whitefooted House Ant - small black ants such as these and the Black House ant, are successful scavengers in the kitchen and garden.

Control

Control of ants is best achieved when the nests can be located. Professional pest controllers will use their knowledge of the nesting habits and feeding habits of pest species. Careful inspection is carried out before applying treatment to cracks and crevices in and around the house.

When ants are out of control, treatment such as this is one line of defense. For further control, attention to hygiene and sanitation will reduce the likelihood of scavenging ants.

Fire Ants: Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA)

It is predicted that within 3 - 5 years fire ants will be a problem in Sydney.

For up to date information about this pest visit -

www.argric.wa.gov.au or www.dpi.qld.gov.au

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