While most ant outbreaks can be easily treated, certain types of ants require more targeted or aggressive solutions as they behave differently.

For example, some ant species like Pharoah and Argentine ants can multiply fast andcreate several nests, so they require long-term treatment to prevent sustained attacks. On the other hand, bull ants are known for their painful bites and carpenter ants build their nests in wooden house frames, so you’ll want to prevente an outbreak fast.

However, without special training, it can certainly be challenging to try and identify which species of ant is causing problems around your home or business.

The earlier you figure out which species of ant is the culprit, the faster that the outbreak can be treated, and any potential damage and disruption can be minimised. That’s where professional pest control can make a big difference.

As aggressive defenders of their nests, fire ants aren’t afraid to sting to defend their colony if provoked. These painful stings can swell into welts within 24-48 hours and trigger allergic reactions.

They build distinct nest mounds which can stand over 40cm high above their underground chambers.

Fire ants have a characteristic antennae club, bright copper head and dark brown body. Workers grow between 3.18-6.15mm and queens are 1.59cm long.

Larvae take 16 days to mature.

They feast on dead insects, vertebrates and earthworms, as well as sweets, fatty food and proteins.

Producing a unique coconut smell when crushed, odorous house ants are attracted to places with moisture. However, you’ll also find them lurking around house plants and toilet lids.

They are usually brown or black in colour with 6 legs and antennae with 12 segments.

Odorous house ants grow between 1.59-3.18mm long and take 34-38 days to become adults.

They feed on pet food, sweet foods and fruits, particularly melon.

With their strong jaws, carpenter ants chew through wooden structures and objects, leaving behind wood shavings, also known as frass. They can cause significant structural damage to buildings and trees, and build satellite nests in different areas.

Carpenter ants are usually dark brown, orange or black coloured, with 6 legs and 2 antennae. They range from 3-12mm long, depending on their job classification within the colony.

Workers take 60 days to become adults.

They enjoy feeding on honeydew produced by aphids, dead insects and pantry food items.

If you’ve disturbed a bull ant nest, watch out! They can be very aggressive and secrete venom through their painful bites. With excellent eyesight, they prefer to hide away in areas with dense vegetation, nesting under logs and rocks.

They are red to black coloured and can grow up to 40mm in size. Eggs take 3-4 months hatch and mature into adults.

They collect plant nectar and other plant juices as well as animal prey.

At Allstate, our technicians are highly trained to identify different types of ant species that require specific treatment modalities. This means that you won’t need to worry about getting to the root cause of the outbreak yourself, and you can expect that it will be treated as quickly as possible.

We’re available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide to treat infestations in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Using modern technology and innovative treatments that are safe for people, pets and the environment, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and competitive warranties on all our services.

With payment plans available, there is no need to delay having an ant extermination through Allstate.