How to Eliminate and Control Black House Ants around the Home
Many homes suffer from black house ant infestations. This post will outline the ants, their habitat, biology, and ways to eliminate them from your home and garden.
Description
The black house ant (Ochetellus glaber) is a small, biting at that is deep black in color which often has a blue-green iridescence. They usually grow to about 3 mm in length and live in large colonies. Notably, they have bent antennae, which differentiate them from termites. They are a nuisance, especially around the home, because they like to accumulate in large numbers around unprotected foodstuff. The ants also give off a strong odor when crushed.
Habitat
Black house ants are commonly found in and around cone-shaped sand piles in the pavement, lawn edges, and gardens. However, they often nest within structures and enter the home through small openings in window frames, doors, and cracks. They are mainly attracted to food that contains sugar, but will eat fat and protein-based foods if required. The black house ant is a common pest throughout many parts of Australia and is most active during the summer.
Biology
Black house ants are commonly found in and around cone-shaped sand piles in the pavement, lawn edges, and gardens. However, they often nest within structures and enter the home through small openings in window frames, doors, and cracks. They are mainly attracted to food that contains sugar, but will eat fat and protein-based foods if required. The black house ant is a common pest throughout many parts of Australia and is most active during the summer.
How to Limit Infestation:
Remove all soiled food containers from around the home and rinse before disposal.
● Thoroughly clean all household surfaces, particularly areas that may have been exposed to sugar-containing products.
● Tightly seal all food containers, including pet food cans, etc.
● Clean pet areas, including putting water moats around their food bowls.
● Keep all areas around the home (especially where food is present) as dry as possible. Eliminate standing water, fix leaky taps and increase ventilation, etc.
● Elevate pot plants and eradicate aphids.
● Flexible seal concrete paving joints.
● Ensure joints, cracks, crevices, and electrical pipe conduit entry points around the household are filled and sealed.
● Make sure trees and shrubs are not touching the house and remove rotting wood.
● Ensure there are no objects stacked against the exterior of the house.
● Increase the depth of landscaping mulch.
If these tips do not assist in minimizing the black house ants around your home, there are professional options that will help. Call your local pest control expert for more information.
