Ants

Of the few thousand ant species that exist in Australia, only a few are considered pests. The small Black House ants and Coastal Brown ants that develop large colonies in and around houses are of the most concern.

Ants live in permanent nests which may be in the soil, in timber, under pavers, in wall cavities or roof voids. They may travel considerable distances for food - if it can possibly be considered food, there will be a species of ant that will want to take it back to its nest.

Ant treatments vary according to the species and may include the judicial placement of specific ant baits, the use of pesticide sprays along trails and application of dusts in crevices and weepholes.

Ant activity often increases during periods of high humidity and often new nests are established in areas where ants may not have been noticed before. Many people say that you can predict the weather by ant activity, that ants are more active just before rain, interestingly, just as many say that ants are less active just before rain.

You can help to reduce ant infestations by:

• Cleaning up food spills immediately

• Removing unconsumed pet food

• Changing pet feeding areas regularly

• Sealing cracks and crevices

• Cutting back plants and trees that are touching the house