Signs of ants
Know what to look for
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Ants
As the majority of ant species prefer sunny climates, our environment is perfect for ants to thrive. Ants are ubiquitous. Out of around 15,000 ant species and subspecies worldwide, Australia has just over 1,300 known species so far. The most familiar ant species in Australia are:
- Argentine ants (Linepithema sp.)
- Bulldog or bull ants (Myrmecia sp.)
- Carpenter ant (Camponotus spp.)
- Coastal Brown ant (Pheidole megacephala)
- Common Black House ant (Ochetellus sp.)
- Funnel ant (Aphaenogaster pythia)
- Garden ant (Lasius niger)
- Ghost ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum)
- Pavement ant (Tetramorium caespitum)
- Pharaoh’s ant (Monomorium pharaonis)
- White-Footed house ant (Technomyrmex sp.)
Ants can be a particular nuisance when they get into your home. Garden or Black ants aren’t thought to carry diseases, the trouble is you don’t know where they’ve been foraging outside, so you won’t want them marching through your food cupboards. Ants will travel in a wide range searching for food, following trails they have established and clustering around the source of food, becoming a nuisance in homes, organisations and businesses. Small piles of earth around holes in soil and at the base of exterior walls indicate their origin.
- Track down where they are coming in and seal off the entry point
- Clear up any sticky residues on worktops, because ants are attracted to sweet things
- Cover up any foodstuffs which could be a food source for ants
Call Rentokil on 1300 307 576 to talk to an expert about ant control or contact us online.
FACT: Some birds spread their wings on an ant’s nest to get ants in their feathers. It is thought that this is because the ants squirt formic acid that gets rid of bird parasites.
Dealing with ant infestations
If you have a larger problem that your usual DIY product cannot resolve, you can rely on our expert pest controllers to clear it up.
Our Pest Control Technicians offer methods of ant control that are targeted to specific species. They can solve the problem quickly and, needless to say, they’re perfectly safe for your family and pets.
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Ant species
Ants FAQs
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How many ant species are found in Australia?
There are around 15,000 ant species and subspecies world wide, with just over 1,300 known from Australia so far. Ants are found in all Australian States and Territories and in all terrestrial habitats. Refer to our Common Ant Species page for details of familiar species in Australia.
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How many ants can I find in a colony?
Ant colonies can range in size from a dozen or so ants, to many thousands.
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How big can ants grow?
Ants vary in length and can be as big as 20mm such as a bulldog ant. Refer to our common ants species.
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Can ants harm me?
Some ants, such as the bulldog ant can give painful stings, while the garden ant have swarming characteristics that can contaminate food. Unlike bees, ants can sting multiple times.
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How can I prevent ants entering my premises?
Most ants come inside your home or business looking for food. They are attracted to sweet and sticky substances. It is important to clean up any food and liquid spillages immediately and to cover any food in storage areas. In addition, to prevent ants entering your home, seal access points such as cracks and crevices in door and window frames. For further details, refer to our page on preventing ants entering your home or premises.