They may be small, but ants can be a big problem in your home. Ants are the most common pests found in Brisbane homes, and they can cause serious damage if left unchecked. Sadly, there are several species of ants you may find inside or around your home, each with its own distinct behaviour. Today, we’ll discover everything you need to know about ants and why they’re such a problem in Australia.
Types of Ants in Brisbane
We’ve alluded to it already, but there are actually several species of ants that you may find in your home. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ones:
- Sugar Ants: Probably the most recognizable and most annoying type of ant, these tiny black critters can squeeze into even the smallest cracks and crevices. They love sugary foods like syrup, honey, and jelly (as the name suggests!).
- Carpenter Ants: Larger than the typical sugar ant, these ants are black or reddish-brown in colour. They’re known to chew through wood to make their nests and cause considerable damage if left unchecked.
- Fire Ants: These red ants are most commonly found outdoors but they sometimes wander indoors too. They have a painful sting and their mounds can be up to 40 cm in height.
- Argentine Ants: These ants are small to medium-sized and usually light or dark brown in colour. While they don’t cause any serious damage, they often travel in very large numbers – which means plenty of unwelcome guests in your home.
How to Prevent Ants From Invading Your Home
Now that you know the types of ants you may find in your home, it’s time to discuss prevention. Here are some simple tips for keeping these pests at bay:
- Clear away any food sources like crumbs or open containers of sugary foods.
- Keep tight-fitting lids on food containers and store food in sealed storage containers.
- Seal any cracks or crevices in your home, including those around doors and windows.
- Keep a tidy house, especially in the kitchen Wipe down surfaces regularly to prevent ants from feasting on crumbs.
- Regularly check for ant nests around your home, especially in wood (if you have carpenter ants).
- Trim any trees or bushes that are close to your home.
- Use a reputable pest control company if you’re having trouble with ants or other pests.
Dealing with Ants in Your Home
If prevention methods fail and you still find yourself dealing with an ant infestation, it’s important to take action. In most cases, the best course of action is to call in a professional pest control company. With ant pest control in Brisbane, you’ll be able to accurately identify the types of ants invading your home, set up bait traps, and get advice on any other steps you may need to take.
Meanwhile, there are also some DIY solutions you can consider. These include using a mixture of vinegar and water to spray the areas where ants are entering your home or using natural insect repellents such as citrus juice, garlic, or peppermint oil.
No matter what method you choose to control your ant problem, remember that prevention is key. Taking the time to keep your home clean and tidy, and paying attention to potential entry points can go a long way in keeping ants away. So, be sure to take the necessary steps today – before they become an even bigger problem tomorrow!