Black House Ant

Ochetellus Spp.

Appearance

Image of Black House Ant (Ochetellus Spp.) | Rentokil Pest Control Australia
  • Shiny & black.
  • 2-3 mm long.

Lifecycle

  • Larva hatches out of the egg as a white grub which is narrower towards the head. They are fed by the adults.
  • The larva pupates and appears creamy-white, looking similar to an adult. Sometimes they have a protective silk cocoon around them.
  • The adult emerges with the three defined body sections: head, thorax and abdomen.
  • The length of time between the egg stage and ants emerging as adults can take 6 weeks or more; it depends on a variety of factors such as the species of ant, the temperature and the availability of food.
  • Fertilised eggs become female, unfertilised become males.

Habits

  • Black House Ants nest under bark or in decaying timber.
  • They infest homes and buildings in search of food and water; they are especially attracted to sweet foods but also eat the honeydew which is secreted from sap-sucking insects.