Ants belong to Family Formicidae within Order Hymenoptera – the group of insects that includes ants, bees, wasps, sawflies and wood wasps. In Australia, about 3000 species of ants are known.
Most ants live in more or less permanent nests, but in adverse conditions a change of nest location is not uncommon. Typically, worker ants forage from the nest for food. Many do this by traveling in fairly well-defined trails, once a food source has been established. Ants tend to be predators or scavengers with a wide range of specificity.
EXCLUSION
Infestations can be reduced significantly by limiting food particles in rooms and cupboards of the house. Cleaning up food residues promptly can also help eliminate ant problems. Food left outside for animals can attract ants, which then go in search of more food, gaining entry into the house.
TREATMENT
Insecticides may be used as sprays applied to the nest or when this cannot be found, to the areas where the ants gain access to various parts of the house. When the nest is located the eradication of the colony is usually achieved. Dusts may be used as a special application in enclosed spaces such as electric power boxes and roof cavities.
Ant baits can be used successfully where insecticides cannot be used or when the nest cannot be located. The bait is collected at feed sites, taken back to the colony by the workers, and fed to others including the queen and developing larvae. This usually results in the demise of the whole colony.
ANTS
