Black Ants
Information kindly supplied by Reward Pest Control
Summary
Ants can be extremely frustrating and can be hard to predict and treat as they live underground, so can surface anywhere. Ants can enter buildings at any time of the year seeking shelter from the elements (rain and cold or dry heat). Food and moisture are attractants and in the Summer months ant activity increases, as they go in search of food.
If you are in a new build home, you may find increased black ant activity to the external areas. This is because the construction activity and disturbance during the build destroyed the ants nests. Signs of activity indicate the ants are searching for areas to create new nests.
Treatment
Where there is an infestation, having a black ant treatment every six months is recommended, however, where funds are limited, money is best spent on a treatment during the Summer months.
The best seasons for direct treatments are Summer or Autumn and this can be followed up with a preventative treatment in Spring and Winter.
The poison in most ant chemicals / baits is slow acting. This is to allow sufficient time for the ant to transport he poisonous substance back to their colony before they die. Small colonies are eradicated quicker than large multiple colonies.
Ant treatments involve the use of non-repellent liquid insecticide. The treatment will last between 1-3 months. The chemical manufacturers provide a 1 month warranty. Ants will gradually return over time and the activity will signify that a new round of treatment should be applied.
Chemicals used for treatment
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Termidor (Fipronil) for ant treatment to the ant nests where the chemical is injected into the ant nest hence best not to sweep up ant mounds prior attending.
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Amdro Ant granules (dual active system = hydramethylnon and Benzenediol) or Synergy pro granules (dual active system = hydramethylnon and pyriproxyfen) for the garden beds.
- All of the above-mentioned chemicals – ants will take back to their nests to feed the queen which will kill the queen.
- Different types of ants are treated differently:
- Black ants, tiny sugar ants etc which is liquid drinkers and prefers sugary food
- Green-headed ants, Argentine ants, Coastal Brown ants etc are protein feeders and will prefer granules over liquid
How can we make our home less attractive to ants?
- Wipe counter-tops, under appliances and any open jars of honey, syrups or sugars
- Rinse out jars and containers before placing them in the bin
- Externally, keep trees and shrubs trimmed back and gutters and storm drains free of debris
- Ensure all doors and windows are sealed
- Watch for any new activity in and around your home and seek professional treatments early
https://www.rewardpestcontrol.com/