Annoying Ants

Ants are the guests that no one wants, but almost everyone gets them. It is really annoying to find ants in our home, and unfortunately many of them can be very difficult to control. As the weather continues to warm here in Melbourne, this pest will begin marching one-by-one indoors. Ants frequently travel through unsanitary areas before they end up on countertops, we should take steps to control and remove them at the first sign of a problem and keep them away from our family, pets and food. Ants are the most nuisance pest in many countries including Australia, and often become a problem during the warmer months (September to March) as they appear indoors looking for food. Unfortunately, ants are more than just a household annoyance; they can also cause health risks and bring extensive property damage once inside the house or office.

Though there are many different ant species, there are relatively few of them that are commonly considered as pests. The most important ant pest groups are:

• Argentina Ants: 1.5 to 3 mm. They are light brown to brown and have single flattened node on pedicle. The often nest in exposed soil or under cover in rotting logs plant cavities. 
• Pharaoh Ants: 1.5 to 2 mm with light yellowish brown to darker brown colour, typically form large colonies and are almost the most difficult ant species to control. They are originally from the tropics and need in-building heat in order to survive and reproduce. Pharaoh ants often nest in warmer parts of buildings or tend to live in large heated buildings such as hospitals, apartments and hotels. They eat almost any type of food material (prefer high protein materials, like meat and blood, as well as fatty foods and vegetable matter)
• Odorous Ants: 2 to 3 mm and brown to dark brown. These ants commonly nest within building in walls, under stoves and cupboards, and in subfloor voids. They eat most types of household food, prefer sweets but will eat meat and breadcrumbs.

Other common ants are: Coastal Brown Ants, Singapore Ants, Brown House Ants, Whitefooted House Ants, Black House Ants, Greenhead Ants, Meat Ants, Jumper Ants and Building Ants.

Ants can contaminate food sources and cause property damage (e.g. to build nests inside structures). There are effective tactics to effectively prevent and control ants. There is also a wide range do-it-yourself ant control products, such as ant spray and ant bait products, available for treating and controlling ants. A very effective method to control ants is to remove the ant nest. If you have a recurring problem or a more serious Ant infestation, it is recommended to contact a professional pest control company for ant problem inspection and control.

effective control of ants often relies on a knowledge of their foraging and nesting habits. Also, where a given infestation is being treated, a thorough survey and inspection should be carried out. Following tips are recommended to avoid ant infestations:

• Remove sources of moisture or standing water near the property.
• Regularly trim tree branches and other shrubbery and keep them away from the house.
• Seal crevices, cracks or holes on the outside of the house. Also cover cracks and crevices in door and window frames.
• Store firewood at least 5 to 10 meter away from the house and about 10 centimetres from the ground.
• Always cover food. Keep food in sealed and closed containers. 
• Regularly dispose of garbage. Also make sure all garbage cans are tightly sealed.
• Keep pet food and water dishes clean and clean food and liquid spills immediately.