A number of pesticide formulations can be used for ant control. Food left outside (for example pet food) can also attract ants near the house. Chemical control methodsĬleaning up and limiting food particles and residues around the house may reduce infestations. Pheromones are detected by ants through their long, thin antennae, which can also perceive smells. Ants use pheromones to leave trails for food sources, to send alarm signals for help and to differentiate between caste groups. CommunicationĪnts communicate with each other using chemical signals called pheromones. The development from egg to adult may take from six weeks to very long periods, depending on the species, season and food availability. Once the adult emerges, its cuticle hardens and darkens. In some species the pupa is protected by a silk cocoon. The pupa is similar in shape to the adult but is usually soft, white and inactive. Adult workers feed the larvae and after sufficient feeding and several moults, the larva pupates. The larva is a white grub with a narrow head.
Fertilised eggs become females (usually sterile workers), but at certain times also fertile females (which can potentially become queens). The life cycle of an ant consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. If wings are present, the forewings are larger than the hind wings. The ‘elbowed’ antennae and constricted abdominal segment make ants distinct in their physical appearance when compared to other insects. Ants have compound eyes and ‘elbowed’ antennae. When viewed under a powerful lens, the pedicel may contain projections called nodes, which are useful in identifying the ant species. Small, constricted abdominal segments (the pedicel) connect the thorax and abdomen, giving the ant a ‘waist’. Most species of ant have three distinct body segments: head, thorax and abdomen. Nearly all ant colonieshave fertile males called ‘drones’ and one or morefertile female called ‘queens’.Ĭontrary to common belief ants are not related totermites, and cannot damage sound timber. These perform specific tasks, suchas feeding and caring for the immature forms, andappear physically different. Workers may bespecialised, for example into minor and major (orsoldier) castes. Larger coloniesconsist mostly of sterile wingless females whichform castes of ‘workers’. In adverseconditions a change of nest site is not uncommon.Ĭolony sizes vary nests can range from a fewdozen, to millions of individuals. They are social insectsthat usually live in permanent nests. Pest ants often nest in andaround buildings, congregate in food preparationareas and have the potential to spread disease.Īnts feed on a wide variety of foodstuffs and can bepredators or scavengers. Only ahandful of these (mostly introduced species) areconsidered pests. In Australia thereare over 4000 known species of ants. Ants are ofecological importance for their roles aspredators and scavengers, in seed and pollendispersal, and in soil structure. Do not allow bowls of pet food to remain on the floor overnight or for extended periods during the day as ants will attack the food and keep returning once they have established a continual source of food.Ants belong to the family Formicidae, withinthe order Hymenoptera. Prevention is possible by keeping kitchen surfaces clean and not leaving food or fruit out on worktops. Even if you only see one or two ants, beware as these may well be the scouts sent on ahead to locate food and ants will return to the same spot over and over once they have established that it is a good source of food and water. Once they have discovered a source of their favourite sweet or protein- based food then they will make tracks for it and let all of their colony in on the secret. You will know if you have ants in your home because you’ll see them. What are the signs that ants are present? Ants communicate with each other using pheromones, sounds, and touch and this is how they advise the rest of the colony that they have found a food source, leaving a trail or road map for others to follow. However, when it comes to home invasion and finding them on your work surfaces and in your cupboards, you need to take action!Īnts are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and have long been a fascination for scientists as they have definite divisions of labour, the ability to solve problems and also communicate between individuals. Ants deserve our human respect for their hardworking and organised selves.
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