Family Name
Ants belong to the Formicidae family.
General characteristics
Workers are 3.4 to 5mm long while queens can grow up to 15mm. They have elbowed antennae and biting mouthparts and their abdomen is constricted at the base giving the impression of a waist. Metamorphosis is complete, comprising egg, larvae, pipe and adult stages.
Pest control
Potential food sources should be removed or protected.
Nests can be found by tracking worker ants back to their source. Often in inaccessible places, nests must nevertheless be destroyed if the infestation is to be eradicated.
Insecticide treatments can be applied in and around nests and at potential entry points to buildings such as doors, windows, ventilators, ducts and drains. Insecticidal baits can also be deployed at these points.