Ants
The main ant pest species found by the homeowner include:
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- White-footed house ant
- Odorous house ant
- Coastal brown ant
- Carpenter ant
- Bulldog ant
A few of the ant pest species can inflict a painful bite, but most are a nuisance pest when they infest pantries, kitchens and BBQ areas in large numbers. Summer time is most problematic - the ants are out in force, building up their numbers and searching incessantly for food to be stored in their colony nest for the colder winter months.
Limiting Ants
Internally
Remove source of food which may encourage the presence of ants, ensure windows and doors have screens fitted and treat entrance points with effective chemicals
- Remove any source of food by cleaning up crumbs, spilt food and sticky liquids as soon as possible.
- Use a household surface spray around windows, doors and any cracks or openings in walls, ceilings etc. Follow directions carefully
Externally
Inspection of external areas to search for nests, following trails and treating them with effective chemicals should prevent the ants from entering your home.
- Use of ant bait granules or dust around edges of garden beds and along ant trails. Follow directions carefully.
- Use of outdoor insecticidal sprays around doors windows and under eves. Follow directions carefully.
Locating the nest is sometimes impracticable as the ants may nest in concealed locations. However, where a nest is found, particularly in the soil then an insecticide spray can be used directly into the burrow and the colony nests.
What not to do
- Do not use any insecticides on kitchen benches, equipment or other surfaces where food is likely to contact.
- Do not use dangerous chemicals or flammable liquids to control ants or eradicate nests
- Ensure the safe use directions on the packs of insecticidal chemicals are followed carefully.
Contact Us
Council Health Services provides basic advice on the control of ants. It is recommended that a pest control operator is engaged for more extensive problems. Consult the Yellow pages for reference to a pest control operator in your local area.
For further information contact Environmental Health Officer (03) 9768 1317 or via e-mail correspondence@frankston.vic.gov.au.