Crawling insects

Common Ants

Formicidae

Social insects that form organised colonies and may forage indoors for food and water.

Included in this category

Little Black ant (Monomorium minimum)

Photo: James K. Lindsey · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0

Small, narrow-waisted insects with elbowed antennae. Colour and size vary by species, from tiny dark ants to larger reddish workers.

Workers follow scent trails between the nest and food. Colonies may occupy soil, wall voids, paving gaps or damp structural areas.

Sugars, proteins, oils, dead insects and household food residues. Preferences can change with the needs of the colony.

Queens establish colonies and produce workers; winged males and females may emerge seasonally to mate and disperse.

Regular ant trails, soil around nest openings, activity near food or water, and winged ants emerging from a concealed nest.

Most common ants are mainly a nuisance, but they can contaminate food and some species sting, bite or damage materials.

Prevention

Confirm the organism before selecting control measures

Remove food, water and shelter where practical

Seal or manage access points and harbourage

Use monitoring and a site-specific IPM programme

Professional support

Arrange a site-specific assessment with PCAMB.