Ant Control Sydney

Ant Facts

Ants belong to the family Formicidae, which forms part of the order Hymenoptera. This order of insects also includes bees and wasps.

Ants are ubiquitous. In fact around 15 000 species and subspecies of ants have been described worldwide, with just over 1 300 known from Australia so far. Most Australians are familiar with ants be they:

  • bulldog or bull ants (Myrmecia sp.)
  • jack-jumper or jumper ants (Myrmecia pilosula species group)
  • green-headed or metallic pony ants Rhytidoponera metallica)
  • meat ants (Iridomyrmex sp.)
  • sugar ants (Camponotus sp.)
  • green tree ants (Oecophylla smaragdina sp.)

Bulldog, Meat and Green ants give a painful sting or bite while Bull ants have venom that can cause a severe allergic reaction. Argentine, Red Imported Fire & Crazy ants are not native to Australia and are considered environmental pests.

In addition to being a nuisance around the home, colonies of ants can undermine the structure of paths, paving and small buildings as well as the root zone of plants. Ants can damage and short circuit electrical components as well as transfer viral, fungal and bacterial plant diseases.

Ants are social insects and form colonies. These vary in size (depending on species) from a dozen or so individuals to many thousands.

Ants are found in all Australian States and Territories, and so far around 15 000 species and subspecies have been described world wide.

In a colony, there are three castes or social levels:

  • the wingless and usually sterile female workers
  • fertile females or queens
  • males.

The workers, all sterile females, are most commonly seen, as they forage for food. They are usually similar in appearance to the queen but smaller. Males are often wasp like in appearance.

Ants vary in length from about 1 to 30 mm and are typically black, brown, red, yellow or a combination of these colours.

Habits, behaviour and nest sites vary widely between species. Many are scavengers and have varied diets, while others are specialist seed-eaters or predators.

Winged males and queens are produced at certain times of the year and, when conditions are right, leave the nest on mating flights. After mating, the queen bites off her wings and establishes a new colony. She will not come to the surface again but will stay underground and lay eggs. The male dies after mating.

Get rid of ants from your Sydney home or business

Pest Blitz are experts at eliminating ant problems in a safe and eco-friendly way. As a fully licensed and insured pest management business, we are the right choice in solving your pest issues.

Enquire Today for a Quote!

Our Customers Love our Superior Ant Control Services