Ant Control

Ants can be a nuisance, but they serve a purpose. They are social insects who live in large colonies of millions. They help the environment by spreading seeds and fertilising plants, as well as decomposing dead matter.

Ants are classified into three groups: queens, workers, and males. Queens have wings, while the workers do not. The only means of reproduction for a colony is with queens. Males will mate with future queen ants before perishing. Once the queen matures, she is destined to spend the rest of her life laying eggs.

 

Soldier ants protect the queen, defend the colony, and take over other colonies. If they defeat an enemy colony, they take eggs from the conquered colony and hatch them. The new ants become slaves.

 

The two most common ants in South Africa are the Black House Ant and the Coastal Brown Ant. The Black House Ant is drawn to sweet substances and is known for scavenging in kitchen areas. The Coastal Brown Ant, on the other hand, will feed on anything from meat products to grease.

  • Expert Advice

    EXPERT ADVICE

    The best way to avoid an ant infestation is not to invite them in. Leaving dirty dishes, accessible trash, food crumbs, or pet food lying around is like turning on a "vacancy" sign for ants.

  • Fun Facts

    ANTS CAN’T HEAR

    Ants use sound to find food and warn other ants. They pick up sound using their subgenual organ, which is located below the knee.

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