Crawling insects

Occasional Ants

Formicidae — multiple species

A varied group of ants that enter or nest in buildings under favourable food, moisture and shelter conditions.

Included in this category

Argentine ant (Linepithema spp)

Photo: Richard Bartz · Source · CC BY-SA 2.5

Species vary widely in size and colour. Correct identification uses body size, nodes at the waist, antennae and nesting habits.

Some species form large multi-nest colonies, while carpenter ants excavate damp wood and Pharaoh ants favour warm indoor spaces.

Sweet liquids, proteins, fats, insects and food waste, depending on species and colony stage.

Colonies contain queens, workers and seasonal reproductives. Some indoor species spread when a colony buds into smaller colonies.

Persistent trails, workers around moisture or food, fine debris near nest sites, and occasional swarms of winged reproductives.

Risks range from nuisance activity and food contamination to painful stings or nesting in moisture-damaged timber.

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.