Ants live in nest colonies that range in size from a few to hundreds of thousands. They are foragers and will eat a large variety of foods such as sweets, grease, oils, vegetables, honeydew and other insects. They carry their food back to the nest where they feed the queen, the lava and themselves. Some of most common problem ants include the Black House Ant, Coastal Brown Ant and Funnel Ant.

Black House Ant

This small ant species with an intensely-black colour measures 2.5mm and is a pest of domestic environments, building their nest in cracks or gaps, beside pathways. There can be more than one queen in the colony and reproduction is fast.

They navigate away from and to the nest in trails and generally enter homes in search of food such as sugary liquids and will tend to aphids and other bugs on domestic plants in order to feed off their sweet secretions. However, this species also feed on seeds and plants and is often a pest in stored food areas like pantries.

Black House Ant Treatment

Black House Ants are treated through the use of an appropriate gel or granular bait in the affected areas or by direct application of a liquid pesticide.

Coastal Brown Ant

This soil-nesting ant, also known at the Big Headed Ant, is golden brown to brown in colour, typically measures 1.5 -2.5mm and is an incredibly invasive species that displaces soil and roots causing lawn and turf problems. A colony often has multiple queens and can quickly achieve the status of a ‘super-colony’, a colony so large that it can stretch beyond property boundaries. Super-colonies have been known to destabilize paving.

The Coastal Brown Ant forages for fat and oil based foods or proteins such as meats. Insects are a secondary option. They are not particularly aggressive but have a sting present when under threat; it is not painful for humans.

Coastal Brown Ant Treatment

For Coastal Brown Ants, the most effective treatment is to apply an appropriate granualr pesticide to the affected and surrounding areas. Complete control of the colony can be achieved as the ants take the bait back to their nests.

Funnel Ant

Funnel ants are best known for producing unsightly mounds in lawns, they are a tan-brownish colour and can reach up to 5mm in length.

The funnel that they create acts as a trap which other insects fall into and will struggle to get out of before being attacked by this ant which is an omnivore, eating proteins and occasionally sugars from natural sources.

Funnel Ant Treatment

Similar to Coastal Brown Ants, the most effective treatment for Funnel Ants is to apply an appropriate granular or iquid pesticide to the affected and surrounding areas.

Termidor Ant Control


Tips for managing Ants around your home

  • General cleanliness in and around a building.
  • Keep kitchen surfaces clean.
  • Keep food in sealed containers.
  • Clean outdoor eating areas.
  • Conceal areas around door thresholds, windows, and openings where utility pipes and wires enter buildings.
  • Fix leaking taps and pipes.
  • Trash cans should be kept concealed and emptied regularly.
  • Trim back shrubs and limbs touching the building.
  • Wash pet food bowls and clean food scraps from around them daily.
  • Regularly vacuum and mop your floor to remove food traces and crumbs.
  • Remove crumbs from inside and below the toaster, regularly clean behind spice racks, behind bread bins, coffee machines etc.