Pest Library

Ants

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Ants

November 22, 2013

Ants are common social insects that live in structured colonies and come in a variety of sizes and shapes in different colony castes: queens, workers or males. Each colony has a precise structure and each member has a specific task assigned to them. Ant nests can be found underground, in ground-level mounds, or in trees. Ants are considered to be one of the most common household pests in Malaysia, after mosquitoes and cockroaches. Although they are harmless, it can be annoying when they get into your house especially when they are crawling over your food.

Identification of Ants

PHARAOH ANTS (SEMUT GATAL)

  • Size and Color: Tiny, about 2 mm long, and yellow to red with a darker end.
  • Nesting: Hide in warm, humid spots like walls and behind appliances.
  • Diet: Eat sweets, oils, proteins, and other insects.
    Colonies: Have big colonies with many queens.
  • Control: Hard to get rid of because they hide well and split into new colonies.
BLACK ANTS (SEMUT HITAM)

  • Size and Color: Usually black or very dark brown, and range from small to medium in size (2.5 to 15 mm).
  • Nesting: Build nests in the ground, under rocks, or in wood; some species nest inside homes.
  • Diet: Eat a variety of foods including sweets, proteins, and plants.
  • Control: Can be managed by removing food sources, sealing entry points, and using baits or insecticides.
FIRE ANTS (SEMUT API)

  • Size and Color: Vary in size from 2 to 6 mm and are typically reddish-brown with a darker abdomen.
  • Nesting: Build large mounds in open, sunny areas; nests can also be found indoors under floors and in wall voids.
  • Diet: Omnivorous; eat proteins, sweets, plants, and other insects.
  • Control: Challenging to control due to their aggressive nature and large colonies; use baits, insecticides, and professional pest control services.
GHOST ANTS (SEMUT MAYAT)

  • Size and Color: Tiny, about 1.3 to 1.5 mm long. They have a dark head and pale, almost translucent body and legs.
  • Nesting: Prefer moist areas; often nest in walls, behind cabinets, under sinks, and in potted plants.
  • Diet: Eat sweets, grease, and other insects.
  • Control: Difficult to control due to their small size and hidden nests; use baits and maintain cleanliness to reduce food sources.
CARPENTER ANTS (SEMUT TUKANG KAYU)

  • Size and Color: Large ants, ranging from 6-25 mm in size; typically black, but some species can be red or a combination of black and red.
  • Nesting: Prefer to nest in damp or decaying wood, such as in trees, stumps, or wooden structures; do not eat wood but excavate it to create tunnels.
  • Diet: Eat proteins and sweets, including insects, honeydew, and household food scraps.
  • Control: Control by eliminating moisture problems, removing decayed wood, and using baits or insecticides.

Medical & Economic Importance

Ants are unwanted and irritating to people. Many customers are discouraged to dine at a restaurant if there are ants. Some species are a threat to human health as they can spread pathogenic organisms. Pharaoh ants for example are known to contaminate surgical instruments in hospitals and feed on patients’ wounds. Others carry (e.g. fire ants) stings that can cause pustules and blisters. Carpenter ants are able to nest inside wood structures; damaging the construction of houses and other buildings.

Ant Control

Although ants have a lot in common with termites, ant control is much more difficult. Locating an ant colony and eliminating the nest is the most effective solution in managing an ant infestation which can be an extremely tough endeavour. Control solutions range from using non-repellent residual insecticides to utilising perimeter treatments together with insecticides.

Ridpest’s Pest Management Specialists are able to conduct thorough inspections before recommending our customers the most effective solution to deal with their ant problems. Possible solutions include:

  • Residual spraying at corner surfaces inside and outside your premise
  • Application of gel baiting systems in cracks and crevices

Prevention is still the best cure for ant control. Sanitation and regular cleaning will keep ants away from our homes. It is also very important not to leave any food exposed in the kitchen area, garbage can and sink. Additional measures include leaving sachets of sage, bay or cinnamon sticks inside cupboards that will repel ants whilst at the same time leaving a pleasant scent in storage areas.

If you have an ant problem contact us to get a FREE quote!

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