Name: Allstate Pest Control
Address: 686 South Road, Glandore, South Australia, 5037, Australia
Telephone: 8371 1277
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How Long Do Ants Live? (Lifespans Explained For Australian Species)

by | Aug 15, 2025 | Ants, Blog

For some ants, it’s a few short weeks. For others, it’s decades! If you’ve ever wondered how long ants live for in Australia, we’re sharing some fascinating insights into the life cycle for the top 8 pest ant species in today’s Hivemind blog.

In this guide, we’ll answer the question how long ants live, exploring Australian species and how their lifespans affect pest control.

What questions will this article answer?

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How long do ants live for: the typical ant life cycle

Fun fact: you’ll find up to millions of ants living together in a nest! They are very organised creatures, with each adult ant belonging to a caste and having a specific job to ensure the survival of the colony. These castes include queen, worker, soldier and drone ants.

Queen ants are responsible for laying eggs to increase the population. These eggs hatch as translucent white larva, which look like grubs. Eventually, the larva will grow and evolve into a more mature pupa, often (but not always) by spinning a cocoon to complete its development before finally emerging as an adult.

The ant life cycle can be influenced by the species, needs of the colony as well as environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.

Understanding these stages helps explain how long ants live in different environments.

Black garden ants

Arguably the most common household ant, black garden ants will eat almost anything, from sweets, to meat and even rotten food. They usually grow 2.5-3mm long and have glossy black colouring.

Worker ants typically increase in size over many generations in more well-established colonies, and live between 1-2 years.

Queens can be up to 15mm long, live up to 15 years, and lay eggs which will normally hatch after 6 weeks.

Bull ants

As their name suggests, bull ants are big and aggressive, with venomous stings that pack a punch. They grow between 8-40mm in size, and are black in colour with splashes of bright red or orange on their heads or abdomen.

Once a queen has laid eggs, they may take up to several months to develop into adults, and workers can go on to live for over 2 years.

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Fire ants

As their name suggests, fire ants are a copper-brown colour and have powerful stings. They are considered as highly invasive and become very defensive if provoked.

They can grow between 2-6mm in length, and you’ll find different sizes within the same colony. Queens live for up to 7 years, and can lay between 2,000 and 5,000 eggs per day.

Workers have a shorter lifespan – they’ll usually live for a few weeks to months at best.

Odorous house ants

Notorious for releasing a rotten coconut smell when crushed, odorous house ants are active throughout the year, and colonies often inhabit multiple nests, each with tens of thousands of workers. They’re usually brown or dark grey in colour, and between 2 and 3mm long.

So, how long do ants live when it comes to odorous house ants? Queens and workers can live for 2-3 years.

Odorous house ant adults normally take 5-11 weeks in total to develop from the egg stage, but this process can take up to 7 months depending on the season.

Argentine ants

An introduced and highly invasive species, a single colony of Argentine ants can infest vast spaces covering several hectares, making outbreaks challenging to treat and reinfestations quite common.

Light to dark brown in colour, and growing 1.5-3mm long, queens can live for several years, and workers between 10-12 months. Each colony may have multiple queens who can lay up to 60 eggs each day, with eggs taking 2-3 months to develop into adults.

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Pharaoh ants

With the ability to relocate their nests and start a new one from the ground up if they feel threatened, Pharaoh ant infestations have a reputation for being hard to control, with baiting techniques usually preferred over surface sprays.

They’re often found nesting in warm areas such as wall voids containing electrical conduits, hot water plumbing and heating ducts.

They have distinct yellow to amber colouring and red/black stripes on their abdomens, and grow up to 2mm long.

Each colony will have multiple queens, each living between 4-12 months. Male pharaoh ants live for only 3-5 weeks after mating.

Depending on humidity and temperature, the egg to adult life cycle will take around 38-45 days. Adult workers have a short life span of around 9-10 weeks.

Ghost ants

As their name suggests, ghost ants can be hard to see with their small size and milky-white, translucent appearance. They grow between 1.3-2.5mm long, move rapidly, and like odorous house ants, can also emit a rotten coconut odour when crushed.

Queens can live for up to 15 years, and workers’ lifespan ranges from a few months to a year. Eggs take 2 to 4 weeks to hatch into larvae, with adults emerging after a further 2 months.

Carpenter ants

Not to be mistaken for termites, carpenter ants prefer tunnelling into moist, decaying wood such as old tree stumps and logs rather than timber in your home. However, do watch out for them if you have windowsills, eaves, roofs and doors that are exposed to moisture. They’ll leave behind small piles of sawdust.

Carpenter ants can be identified by their black, orange or brown bodies and grow between 2.5-14mm long.

It normally takes 3 to 6 years to establish a colony, and queens can live up to 25 years. Workers normally live for around 12 months. Adults will normally take between 6 and 12 weeks to fully develop from the egg stage, but low temperatures can slow this right down to around 10 months.

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How to prevent ants at home

Knowing how long ants live and how colonies grow over time makes prevention even more important.

Take the following simple steps to protect your home from marching ants:

Seal off potential entry points including holes and cracks in walls, gaps under doors and around windows
Avoid leaving food out, including pet food. Instead, keep it stored away in sturdy containers and packaging
Keep your kitchen and dining areas tidy and clean by wiping away food spills and crumbs and disinfecting cooking and cleaning surfaces as well as floors
Practice proper waste disposal and management by making sure that bins are not overflowing and all rubbish is stored in well-sealed plastic bags and bins with lids; secure piles of compost
Fix leaking taps, drains and pipes to reduce moisture
Reduce hiding spots and food sources in your yard by removing rotten fruit and vegetables, pet waste, and piles of leaves and vegetation
Keep tree branches and bushes trimmed away from the building

Professional ant control

At Allstate, our pest technicians are trained to identify common pest ant species and understand how their behaviour can impact the type of treatments we use to stop an outbreak.

Because how long ants live can affect treatment strategies, we customise our approach based on their life cycle. We’ll start off by conducting a thorough inspection of all entry points and potential nesting sites, then apply the following treatments either directly to the nest itself or in active areas:

Surface spray

Airborne insecticide sprays can be applied around building perimeters and disperse over large spaces, offering a fast treatment for large areas. They’re also able to penetrate hard to reach, enclosed spaces, such as ant nest tunnels and tiny entry points such as cracks and holes.

Control dust

With its fine consistency, ant control dust can also be sprinkled directly into small access points. This includes gaps, into ant nest openings, as well as roof spaces and even your fuse box.

Ant baits

Tamper proof ant baits can be used to lure in ants, who carry the insecticide back to the rest of the colony. Although this method can take longer to control an outbreak, it can be tailored to target the specific pest ant species, eventually preventing the ant colony once and for all.

For long-lasting and reliable ant management, choose Allstate

Ant outbreaks can get out of control fast, so it’s best to avoid being on the back foot if you start seeing them marching into your home.

At Allstate, we’re available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide for managing ant outbreaks in commercial, industrial and residential settings since 1986. Our highly trained team is fully equipped to successfully treat all ant infestations no matter the species or location of their nests.

With payment plan options and competitive warranties on all our services, you won’t need to worry about getting bitten by an army of ants invading your kitchen anytime soon.

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Why Do Ants Come Inside The House?

by | Jul 31, 2025 | Ants

Because your home has everything ants want, from food to water, and shelter.

That’s the short answer.

But if you’re seeing tiny ants marching across your benchtop or around the pet food bowl, there’s more going on under the surface.

At Allstate Pest Control, we’ve been helping South Australians tackle pest infestations for over 35 years. We handle emergency call-outs, long-term treatments, and prevention plans for both homes and businesses. And when it comes to ant control, we’ve seen it all, from sugar trail scouts to full-blown carpenter ant infestations hiding behind the wall.

Let’s help you find out why ants invade homes, what attracts ants inside, and how you can stop ants from coming back.

Why Do I Keep Getting Ants in My House?

Because they’ve found a food source or water, and told their colony.

Ants don’t wander in randomly. Worker ants go out to search for food or moisture. Once they find something, like a crumb, a leaky pipe, or a pet bowl, they leave behind a chemical trail. This trail guides the other ants directly to it.

Most ants come inside looking for:

Sweet foods (think honey, sugar, juice spills)
Greasy leftovers or meat scraps
Water from leaky taps, condensation, or plant trays
Shelter from rain or extreme heat

Why Do Ants Come Inside When It’s Hot?

During hot seasons, such as summer, ants are more likely to invade homes.

Why?

When it’s hot and dry, ants come inside to escape the heat and search for water. Ant activity increases during warm months, especially for pavement ants and other ground-dwelling species common in Australia.

Once the colony finds a reliable food source, you’ll notice ants walking in steady lines across the floor, benchtop, or windowsill. That’s your cue to act fast.

What attracts ants inside the home?

Ants love it when you have a messy kitchen, dining room or living room in any form.

They’re drawn to sugary substances, food residue, and anything not appropriately sealed. Even the tiniest crumb under your toaster can be enough to trigger an ant infestation.

Here’s what attracts ants:

Unsealed food like cereal, rice, or snacks
Fruit left out on the counter
Spills straight from soft drinks or juice
Pet food bowls left out overnight
Poorly sealed windows, cracks, or entry points
Damp areas like under sinks or laundry rooms

Carpenter ants may also enter your home if there’s rotting or damp timber. Unlike other ants, they don’t eat wood, but they hollow it out to create nesting habitats.

How to Stop Ants from Coming Inside My House: 7 Things to Do

If you’ve had ants invading your kitchen more than once, it’s time to break the cycle. Here’s what to do.

Identify the type of ant

Different ants need different treatment methods. Some ants are sweet lovers.

Others prefer grease or protein. Some build nests in walls (like carpenter ants).

Others stay outdoors but forage inside. Identifying the ant species helps choose the right bait or barrier.

Keep surfaces clean

Wipe down benchtops after every meal. Mop floors regularly. Don’t leave dirty dishes overnight. Even a small spill can trigger an ant trail. Pay attention to hidden spots like under the fridge, toaster, or microwave.

Store food in sealed containers

Use airtight containers for sugar, beverages, flour, grains, and snacks. Don’t rely on cardboard packaging. Ants can chew through it. The same goes for pet food; store it in sealed containers and clean bowls daily.

Seal cracks

Inspect your walls, windows, doors, and skirting boards. Use sealant to block gaps. Fix poorly sealed windows or broken flyscreens. If ants are coming through a specific crack, you’ll often see them forming a line there.

Use ant baits

Ant bait is more effective than sprays in the long run. Worker ants carry the bait back to the colony. It poisons the entire nest over time.

Ensure the bait matches the ants’ food preference; some prefer protein, while others prefer sugar. Always follow the label instructions.

Use an ant spray barrier

Apply non-repellent ant spray along door frames, windows, and exterior walls. These products allow ants to walk through and carry the toxin back to the colony without alerting others.

Avoid strong-smelling repellents, as they can cause the ants to split and form new colonies.

Turn to pest control professionals

If ants keep returning, it’s time to call an ant control professional. At Allstate Pest Control, we use targeted treatments that eliminate the entire nest, not just the visible ants. We also identify access points and prevent ants from coming back.

How Do I Know If I Have Termites or Ants?

Not all ants are harmless, and not every wood-loving insect is a termite.

If you see small piles of sawdust, hollow-sounding timber, or ants with wings, it could be something more serious. Carpenter ants are often mistaken for termites, but they don’t eat wood; they dig into it. Termites, on the other hand, feed on cellulose and cause structural damage.

A licensed pest control expert can confirm what pest you’re dealing with. Don’t guess, especially if you own a timber-framed home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there ants in my house suddenly?

Ants appear suddenly when they discover food or water. Once a worker ant finds it, others quickly follow via a scent trail. This can happen within hours of a spill or leak.

What do ants hate most?

Ants dislike strong scents, such as lemon juice, peppermint oil, and vinegar. But these are only short-term deterrents. Professional pest control methods target the nest directly for more effective and longer-lasting results.

Does killing ants attract more?

Yes, in some cases. Crushing ants releases alarm pheromones that can attract other ants to the area. It’s better to use ant bait to target the entire colony discreetly.

Why are there ants in my room but no food?

Even if you don’t see food, ants may detect food residue, pet food, or moisture. Sometimes ants use rooms as pathways to other areas. Check windows, skirting boards, and power outlets.

How to get rid of ants when you don’t know where they’re coming from?

Start with deep cleaning. Remove all food sources. Use ant bait along ant trails or suspected areas. If the problem persists, contact a licensed pest control expert to locate the nest and apply a comprehensive treatment.

If ants have become a constant battle, don’t wait until the colony grows.

Call Allstate Pest Control on (08) 8371 1277 or send us a detailed message about the situation to book an inspection or emergency treatment. We’re trusted by thousands of South Australians, and we’re ready to help you protect your home.

How to Get Rid of Ants in the House

by | Mar 6, 2025 | Ant Library, Ants

An ant infestation often starts with one. A single ant scouting your kitchen bench or pantry. Before you know it, there’s a full-blown trail marching towards the crumbs you missed after brekkie. Ants aren’t just a nuisance; they can be a real problem.

Ants invade homes for three simple reasons: food, water, and shelter. They follow invisible scent trails, leading hundreds – sometimes thousands – straight to your home. And once they find a good spot, they’ll keep coming back.

So, how do you manage ants in the house? This guide from Allstate Pest Control covers everything: what attracts ants, how to manage ants, and ways to keep them out. Whether it’s sugar ants in your cupboards or an ant nest in the walls, we’ve got you covered.

Identifying Different Ant Species

Not all ants are the same. If you want to manage ants effectively, first, you need to know what you’re dealing with. Here are the common ant species found in Australian homes:

Sugar Ants

banded sugar ants foraging for food

You leave a spoon in your tea mug overnight. By morning, a tiny army is feasting on the leftovers. That’s (banded) sugar ants for you. These little scavengers love anything sweet – honey, biscuits, soft drink spills, and sugar itself. If they find a way in, they won’t leave until the buffet is gone.

Argentine Ants

Argentine ant, Linepithema humilis

Tough, aggressive, and highly organised, Argentine ants don’t just invade. They take over. Unlike other ants, they don’t fight between nests. Instead, they form massive ant colonies that spread quickly, wiping out competitors. If you have a never-ending ant infestation, you might be dealing with these guys.

Carpenter Ants

group of large carpenter ants (Camponotus species) tunneling through damaged wood

You see big black ants hanging around your deck or skirting boards, eating them up like termites. Their heads and thoraxes look darker than in other ants, while their abdomen can have faint stripes or a velvety texture. These are carpenter ants. Except that they’re not here to mend the furniture, but eat them all up.

Carpenter ants tunnel through timber, creating nests inside your walls. They don’t eat wood like termites, but their tunnels weaken structures over time. Spotting them early is key to avoiding costly damage.

Other Ant Species

From tiny black house ants to garden ants, different species have different habits. Some prefer protein over sugar. Others build nests in exterior walls or underground. It pays to know which type you’re dealing with, because the wrong treatment won’t work.

Why Identifying Ant Species Matters

Not all ants respond to the same pest control methods. Bait is your best bet for sugar ants. As for carpenter ants, you need to find their nest fast. Standard sprays won’t work for Argentine ants. These invaders need professional treatment.

In any case, if you’re struggling with an ant problem, proper identification is the first step to effective removal. And if the infestation is getting out of hand? It’s time to call in the experts for an ant control service.

How to Get Rid of Ants: Effective Methods for Ant Control

Ants don’t pay rent. Yet, they’ll march into your home like they own the place. If you’ve spotted one (or a few) crawling across your cereal box, don’t ignore them. Ants send out scouts to sniff out food. Once they find something good, they call the entire colony. So, how do you stop them? You need the right approach. Here’s how to manage ants and keep them from coming back.

Cleaning and Prevention: Stop Attracting Ants

Ants don’t invade for fun. Again, they’re after food, water, and shelter. So, when you cut off their supply, you stop attracting ants.

Clean kitchen surfaces: Crumbs, spills, and sticky spots are a buffet for ants. Wipe down benches, sweep the floor, and don’t forget behind the toaster.
Store food in sealed containers: Sugar, rice, and even pet food should be in airtight containers. Take note: ants can chew through paper and cardboard.
Seal cracks and entry points: Ants find their way in through tiny gaps. Check window sills, door frames, and wall voids. A bit of silicone or weather stripping can help.
Fix leaks and remove moisture: Ants love damp areas. So, repair your dripping taps, clear blocked drains, and keep bathrooms dry.

A spotless home makes it harder for ants to survive. But what if they’re already inside? Then it’s time to fight back.

Natural Methods to Kill Ants

There are multiple ways to kill ants. Want a safe, chemical-free, home-made approach? Try these natural ways to stop ants.

White vinegar & lemon juice: Ants rely on scent trails to find their way. A mix of white vinegar and water (or lemon juice) wipes out their tracks.
Baking soda & powdered sugar: This DIY ant killer works by luring ants in. They eat it, take it back to the colony, and well… let’s just say they won’t be coming back.
Coffee grounds: Scatter used coffee grounds around entry points. Ants hate the strong smell, and it disrupts their pheromone trails.
Neem oil & diatomaceous earth: Both are natural, non-toxic, and deadly to ants. Sprinkle near nests, skirting boards, and doorways for long-term control.

If you’re after quick results, though, you may need a stronger approach.

Using Ant Baits and Sprays to Kill Ant Colonies

Sometimes, the only way to kill ants effectively is to take out the colony. Baits and sprays do exactly that.

Bait traps work best: Ants take the poison back to their nest, wiping out the entire colony. Place bait near ant trails, wall edges, and dark corners.
Where to put baits: The trick is not to kill worker ants instantly. Let them take the bait home. If you wipe them out too fast, the colony just sends more.
Non-repellent sprays vs. contact killers: Spraying ants with standard bug spray only kills the ones you see. A non-repellent spray lets ants carry the poison back to the nest.
Safety first: If you have kids or pets, always check that your ant bait and spray are pet-friendly. Some commercial products can be harmful if ingested.

Still seeing ants? It might be time to bring in the pros.

When to Call Professional Pest Control

Most small ant infestations can be handled with bait, sprays, and prevention. But if you’ve tried everything and ants keep coming back, here’s when to call pest control:

You see ants everywhere: If ants are in multiple rooms or constantly returning, there’s likely a hidden nest nearby.
Damage to wood or furniture: Carpenter ants chew through timber. If you see sawdust-like debris or hear faint rustling inside walls, don’t wait—get an inspection.
Massive outdoor colonies: Argentine ants and other aggressive species can form super colonies, spreading over entire blocks. DIY won’t cut it.

Professional pest control experts find and prevente ant nests most efficiently. If you’re in South Australia and need fast, effective ant removal, the Allstate Pest Control experts are just by the corner.

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What Attracts Ants? How to Prevent Future Infestations

Ants don’t just wander in for no reason. They come looking for a food source, water, and shelter. Leave one crumb on the counter, and worker ants will sniff it out in minutes. If you don’t cut off their supply, they’ll keep coming back.

1. Uncovered Food and Sticky Spills

Leftover toast crumbs on the bench? A tiny drop of juice near the sink? That’s an all-you-can-eat buffet for ants. They have a powerful sense of smell and love anything sweet, greasy, or starchy. Even pet food left out in a bowl can turn into an ant problem overnight.

Prevention Tip: Store everything in sealed containers, wipe down surfaces, and sweep the floor regularly. A clean kitchen is your best defence.

2. Moisture and Leaks

Ants need water just as much as food. Damp areas attract them, especially on hot summer days. A leaky tap, wet sponge, or condensation near windows is enough to bring them in. Some ants, like Argentine ants, thrive in high-moisture conditions.

Prevention Tip: Fix leaks, keep bathrooms and kitchens dry, and empty pet water bowls overnight.

3. Cracks, Holes, and Entry Points

Ants don’t need a wide-open door to get in. Tiny cracks in walls, floorboards, or window frames are all they need. Once inside, they’ll set up nests in wall voids, crevices, and other hidden spaces.

Prevention Tip: Seal gaps with caulk or weather stripping. If you spot a steady stream of ants coming in, follow their trail—they’ll lead you straight to the entry point.

4. Outdoor Factors: Plants, Garbage, and Lawns

Ants love gardens, compost bins, and overgrown lawns. They’re also drawn to aphids, tiny bugs that feed on plants and leave behind a sugary residue ants love.

Prevention Tip: Trim back trees and shrubs touching the house. Keep bins tightly sealed, and treat your lawn for aphids. A well-maintained yard helps keep ants outside—where they belong.

Stop Ants Before They Become a Problem!

Ants are social insects. Once they find a reliable food or water source, they bring the whole colony. The trick to controlling ants is removing what attracts them in the first place. Keep things clean, fix leaks, and block their entry points.

Still seeing ants? You might need a stronger approach. Allstate Pest Control offers fast, effective solutions to stop ants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to manage ants?

The quickest method is using bait traps. Ants take the poison back to the colony, wiping out the nest. Combine this with immediate cleaning and sealing entry points to stop new ants from coming in.

What keeps ants away?

Ants hate strong scents. Vinegar, lemon juice, and coffee grounds mess with their pheromone trails, making them lose their way. Keeping food sealed and wiping down surfaces regularly prevents infestations before they start.

What is the best homemade ant killer?

A simple mix of baking soda and powdered sugar does the trick. The sugar attracts them, and the baking soda kills them. White vinegar is also great for disrupting trails and keeping ants from coming back.

What smell do ants hate?

Ants can’t stand peppermint, vinegar, citrus, or cinnamon. Sprinkle these near entry points, skirting boards, or windows. Even a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls can keep them away.

When should I call a professional pest control service?

If you’ve tried every trick in the book and ants keep coming back, it’s time to call the experts. Severe infestations, hidden nests, or carpenter ants need professional treatment. Allstate Pest Control has the right solutions to stop ants in their tracks.

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How to Prevent Anthills in Your Garden

by | Aug 19, 2024 | Ants, Blog

With the remarkable ability to sniff out food up to 6 metres away, hungry ants won’t hesitate to set up a new anthill once they find a great place to feed.

Avoid having ants marching their way to your home and garden by following our top tips to prevent anthills all year round.

What questions will this article answer?

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Why ants are attracted to your garden

While they are still around in winter, ants are more commonly seen out and about foraging for food in the heat of an Aussie summer.

With a colony of sometimes millions to feed, ants will travel great distances to scavenge for food. They may venture 700 feet from their nest and have the ability to detect food up to 6 metres away.

This means that ants living in your area can potentially sniff out their next feed in your home and yard. With wide and varied diets depending on the species, ants will come over and help themselves to whatever sparks their appetite, and also invite the rest of the colony around to set up a new ant nest!

Ant species you’ll find in your garden

Out of over 4000 species of ants existing in Australia, there are around a handful of mainly introduced species which are considered as common pests. These include:

Black house ants

Arguably the most recognised species, black ants grow 2.5-3mm long and have a shiny black appearance, as their name suggests.

Bull ants

Packed with venom, painful bull ant bites are best avoided. Red and black in colour and growing up to 40mm in size, bull ants can become aggressive when their nests are disturbed.

Argentine ants

Considered an invasive species, Argentine ants are 2.2-2.6mm long, and light to dark brown coloured. With an aggressive nature, these ecological pests are territorial and drive away other native ants.

Carpenter ants

Built with strong jaws and having an affinity for wood, carpenter ants are notorious for tunnelling through timber, leaving behind wood shavings and causing structural damage to trees and buildings alike. They grow 3-12mm long, and can be black, dark brown or orange coloured.

Pharoah’s Ants

Drawn to warm and humid areas, Pharoah’s ants are brown and yellow coloured, grow up to 2mm long, and males have wings. They are commonly found in hospitals.

Ghost ants

Known for their pale brown, translucent legs and abdomen, ghost ants are a pint-sized nuisance at 1.3-1.5mm long. You’ll find them in areas of high moisture content.

Fire ants

With their fiery bright red copper heads, feisty fire ants are aggressive when provoked, and fierce defenders of their distinctive nests, which can be up to 40cm high. It’s important t oavoid getting painful stings from fire ants at all costs, as they can result in swollen welts and trigger allergic reactions. Worker fire ants grow up to 3-6mm long.

Odorous house ants

Emitting a pleasant coconut scent when crushed, odorous house ants are brown or black coloured, and grow up to 3.18mm long. They are often spotted in moisture-rich places, such as leaking pipes.

Stop marching ants in their tracks. Speak to an expert today.

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8371 1277

Signs you have an ant outbreak

It’s not hard to tell if these tiny terrors are trying to invade your property. Here are some clues to look for in a potential ant infestation:

You notice more ants, usually moving along well-defined trails
You spot anthills in your yard (dirt mounds with a central opening to their underground nests)
If you have carpenter ants you might notice piles of fine wood shavings on the floor

Reasons to avoid an ant infestation

Here are some problems that you may experience when ants invade your home

Contamination of surfaces and food

Experts at foraging, ants travel far and wide to scavenge for food to feed the colony. Their movements will take them from rubbish bins and toilets to your kitchen and pantry. Along the way, they can pick up germs, including bacteria and viruses, contaminating many areas of your home.

Don’t forget to inspect potted plants, mulch, hay and manure for signs of fire ants.

Spread of diseases

If your family or pets come into contact with surfaces or food items that have been contaminated by germ-carrying ants, it can lead to illnesses such as gastroenteritis.

Ant bites

Some species of ants, such as bull ants and fire ants, have more potent, venomous bites, which can trigger allergic reactions. However, for most other species, ant bites only produce mild discomfort.

Damage to buildings

Carpenter ants chew through wood and timber, and cause expensive structural problems to your home.

Damage to plants in your garden

Fire ants will help themselves to fruit, vegetables and seedlings in your yard.

Avoid the sting of an ant outbreak. Get advice today.

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How to prevent anthills in your garden

Once you have a few ants around your home, it doesn’t take long for more to join them. Here are some ways that you can keep anthills out of your yard for good:

Lawn maintenance

Keeping your lawn healthy and thick makes it more difficult for ants to dig through and create an underground nest. You can also rake over any anthills that you happen to spot.

Regular garden maintenance

Rotten fruit and vegetables can attract a range of pests, including ants, so dispose these promptly. Remove piles of vegetation, which make good hiding spots for anthills, and clear away trees and foliage which come into contact with your home, as they provide an easy access point.

Remove food sources

From nectar and small insects to plants, sweet and greasy foods, bread, and meat, most ants will eat almost anything. With a remarkable ability to sniff out food from many metres away, it’s best to keep food carefully covered and stored away to avoid ants helping themselves to it first. Don’t forget to empty pet food bowls as well.

Keep surfaces clean

Food spills and crumbs can also attract ants. We recommend maintaining good hygiene in dining and food preparation areas by regularly sweeping, wiping, mopping, vacuuming and disinfecting.

Practice proper waste management

Rubbish bins are a favourite for ants, so ensure that all waste is tightly sealed in sturdy bags, and bins have tight fitting lids. Keep compost piles well covered.

Home maintenance

Leaking pipes and drains provide a source of moisture, which attracts ants, so repair these quickly.

Seal off entry points to your home

Inspect your home regularly for potential access points and fill them. This includes tiny holes, gaps, cracks and crevices. Check that the window and door seals are well fitted.

Professional ant control

We use the following ant treatment methods:

Chemical baits

Laced with an insecticide that is toxic to ants, chemical baits are strategically placed at popular feeding sites to attract ants, which then carry the lethal compounds back to the rest of the colony.

Ant control dust

Consisting of diatomaceous earth, which is ground down to a fine, powdered form, ant control dust is sprinkled along the perimeters of your home, as well as hard to reach areas that carry heavy ant traffic, and around anthills.

Insecticide spray

A fast acting approach to quickly reduce the number of active ants, insecticide sprays are useful for heavy infestations. We recommend keeping your pets away from treated areas.

Choose Allstate for effective ant management

Ants are active all year around, so outbreaks can happen at any time, and the last thing you need is for a couple of ants to escalate into a whole army. That’s why Allstate is always here to help.

Since 1986, we’ve successfully managed ant outbreaks in commercial, residential and industrial settings, using innovative treatments and the latest in pest control technology.

Available 24/7 for urgent advice, our pest control services have safeguarded clients in all suburbs of Adelaide.

No matter where you are, you can count on Allstate to assist with fast, targeted ant infestation solutions at any time.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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Your Guide To Fire Ant Control

by | Apr 5, 2024 | Ants, Blog

How to Stop Fire Ants Before They Go Out of Control

They’re fast. They’re fiery. And they don’t wait for an invitation. Known for their painful stings, fire ants have been marching across Australia for over two decades. They’re ruining picnics, building dome-shaped mounds, raiding pantries, and even triggering severe allergic reactions in rare cases.

Whether you’re gardening in Glenelg or barbecuing in Burnside, one wrong step near a nest can ruin your day… or your week, courtesy of these red ants. This guide shows you simple fire ant control that helps you avoid getting stung while protecting your home.

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What is a fire ant?

Native to South America, but introduced to Australia over 20 years ago, fire ants are considered a serious agricultural pest.

They are reddish-brown, with a rear segment that is usually dark brown. Depending on their role in the colony, winged fire ants can range from 2-6mm in size. Winged fire ants can fly up to 5km from the nest to expand the colony.

Known to feed on various crops including corn and soy, fire ants also have an appetite for okra, potato tubers and citrus fruit. However, these hungry insects are experts at scavenging insects, honeydew produced by aphids, flies, fly larvae, decomposing animals, seeds, as well as oily and sugary products.

With a unique behaviour of swarming their prey, they have strong jaws to secure their victims, and use painful stingers to inject venom. They can be particularly aggressive if their nest is disturbed, and are able to sting multiple times.

Fire ants can survive all year long in climates ranging from below freezing to the relentless heat of droughts and even high rainfall.

Problems caused by fire ants

Although they are small, fire ants can cause a range of big problems. Here’s how:

Damage to your garden

With a big appetite for plants in your garden, fire ants feeds on plants such as corn and germinating seeds, potato tubers, okra and citrus fruit.

Disrupting outdoor activities

With the potential for venomous stings, you and your family will want to avoid disturbing fire ants and their mounds when outside. They can quickly swarm and sting their victims multiple times, especially when they feel threatened.

Painful stings

When stung by a fire ant, you may experience pain and a burning sensation, and be left with a swollen welt.

Allergic reactions

In some people, fire ant venom can trigger allergies, causing itchy rashes, and even possibly anaphylactic reactions.

Contamination

With their unhygienic foraging habits, fire ants will eat anything from decomposing dead animals, animal waste to food in your pantry. They will look for food and water from toilets, drains and sewers, as well as your kitchen sink. This means that they can potentially collect and spread a range of bacteria, germs and diseases inside your home, including salmonella, E.coli, fungi and staphylococcus and streptococcus infections.

Disturbing the ecosystem

With their aggressive behaviour, fire ants have been known to threaten native species of ants, dominating and disrupting the ecological balance of your yard over time.

Keep your family safe from fire ants. Speak to an expert today.

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How to identify a fire ant outbreak

Getting stung is definitely not pleasant, so it’s important know how to spot a fire ant infestation as quickly as possible. Here are the most common signs that you may have a fire ant problem:

You’re noticing a lot of fire ants around

If there’s more fire ants than usual, especially if they’ve managed to make it indoors, there’s a good chance that you may have an infestation on your hands.

Ant trails

If you see fire ants marching in lines along a well-defined path, this means that fire ants are foraging for food and living in a nest nearby, typically within 30m away.

Fire ant mounds

Found out in the open, fire ant nests resemble piles of disturbed dirt with a flat or rounded top. They can reach 30-40cm high and 30-90cm in diameter. Unlike other ant species, there isn’t a clear hole or entry point at the apex.

Fire ants usually enter and exit their nest through underground tunnels with entry points that may be up to 30 feet away from the mound.

Depending on the weather, fire ant nests can look different. In warm climates or during drought, their nests might appear as small areas of loose soil. When the temperature drops, or there is rainfall, their nests may be more obvious and look larger in size.

Droppings

You may notice small granules, like sand or coffee grounds, which are brown, beige or black in colour scattered around your home or yard.

Ways to prevent a fire ant infestation

We recommend the following tasks to help you prevent fire ants from setting up a nest in your yard.

Regular yard maintenance

Clear away fallen or rotten fruit and vegetables, and keep plants, bushes and vegetation neatly trimmed, particularly ones that are growing near your home. Remove piles of debris and leaves and keep your lawns tidy to reduce hiding spots. Make sure that rubbish bins are tightly sealed, secured and covered.

Don’t forget to inspect potted plants, mulch, hay and manure for signs of fire ants.

Cover all entry points

Being small in size, fire ants can squeeze through tiny gaps, cracks, crevices and holes to gain access inside your home. We recommend carefully inspecting your home for these tiny openings and sealing them off.

Remove access to food and water

Fire ants can detect resources from a long distance away, so it’s best to keep food stored away, and avoid leaving bowls of water out in the open for long periods. This includes pet food. Keep your home clean by wiping down tabletops, benchtops, stoves and sinks after use, and clear away dirty dishes. Immediately clean up spills, remove crumbs from floors and furniture by vacuuming, mopping and sweeping.

Ant baits

There are several readily available products to protect your home from being invaded by fire ants. These are available from your local hardware store, and can include ant baits and insecticide sprays.

For expert advice on managing fire ants, contact Allstate today

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8371 1277

Professional fire ant control

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a fire ant outbreak can be hard to manage without professional assistance. At Allstate, we have a range of targeted treatments, which are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for safe use around your home.

Fire ant baits

Once consumed by foraging fire ants, the insecticide-laced bait is taken back to the colony and transmitted to other ants to destroy the colony.
Soaked in soybean oil, these baits are made of 1-2mm sized granules of corn grit and can be sprinkled near the nest itself, or scattered around the yard. Depending on the extent of the outbreak, way may use different types of baits. They contain the following chemical ingredients to stop ants in their tracks:

Insect growth regulator baits are made from s-methoprene or pyriproxyfen. They are effective in reducing the ant population by stopping their life cycle and can take up to 3-4 months to have their full effect
Fast acting insecticide usually consists of indoxacarb or hydramethylnon and pyriproxyfen. It typically takes only 1-4 weeks to reach their maximum effect

Direct nest injection

As the name suggests, we can directly apply fipronil, a strong insecticide liquid, to fill all the chambers of the fire ant nest as a fast solution to treat an outbreak. However, the treated area must not be disturbed for 24 hours, and the ground and its surrounds must remain dry and undisturbed for at least 7 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to control fire ants?

The most effective way to treat fire ants is to target the colony, not just the ants you see. Use a combination of baiting and direct nest treatment to destroy the queen and stop a new colony from forming.

What kills fire ants in Australia?

In Australia, approved fire ant treatment products contain active ingredients like Pyriproxyfen, s-methoprene, Fipronil, or indoxacarb. These are designed to disrupt reproduction or stop the ants quickly, and are part of the national managion program strategy.

Which part of Australia do you offer fire ant control?

Allstate Pest Control offers fire ant control services within South Australia. If you’re dealing with fire ants in places like South East Queensland, it’s best to contact Biosecurity Queensland or your state’s fire ant managion program for support.

What do fire ants hate the most?

Fire ants avoid citrus oils, cinnamon, and strong vinegar scents. But these DIY tricks won’t stop fire ant nests from spreading. For lasting results, you need a proper treatment process with enough bait and strategic follow-up.

What is the best repellent for fire ants?

While no repellent works forever, granular insecticides placed around entry points and near suspected fire ant nests can help. However, repellents don’t kill colonies; that’s why integrated treatment methods are recommended.

Choose Allstate for effective and long-lasting fire ant control

With your calendar filled with all sorts of outdoor activities to enjoy the last of the warm weather, there’s nothing worse than having the threat of a fire ant outbreak to spoil the fun. At Allstate, we’re here to help protect you and your family from fire ants.

Since 1986, Allstate has helped thousands of homes, businesses and industrial properties prevent and treat pest outbreaks. Available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide, our highly trained and fully equipped pest technicians use innovative solutions and treatments which are safe for children, pets and the environment.

With payment plans available, you won’t need to delay any urgent fire ant treatment anymore. Ask one of our friendly pest consultants for reliable advice at any time.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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How to tell the difference between ant species in Australia

by | Sep 1, 2023 | Ants

There are at least 1,275 known species of ants in Australia, but only a few are considered as household pests. It’s handy to know which species you’re dealing with in the event of an outbreak, as this can affect the type of treatment you’ll need to manage them for good.

If you’re experiencing an ant outbreak and wondering which type of ant is the cause, we’ve prepared this guide on identifying the most common pest ants.

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Importance of Identifying Australian Ants

While most ant outbreaks can be easily treated, certain ants, due to their behavior, require more targeted or aggressive solutions.

For example, some species, like Pharaoh and Argentine ants, can multiply fast and create several nests, requiring 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 prevent an outbreak quickly.

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

The earlier you determine which species of ant is the culprit, the faster 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.

Get effective ant removal advice today

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Black House Ant

Quite possibly the most common type of ant that you’ll encounter, black house ants often lurk around kitchens, bathrooms and even your garage.

They are 2.5-3mm long and shiny black coloured, with 6 spindly legs.

Black house ant larvae normally take over 6 weeks to mature into adults.

They feed on sweet and greasy food, breadcrumbs and meat.

Fire Ant

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.

Ghost Ant

Drawn to areas with high moisture, such as kitchen and bathrooms, ghost ants nest in wall spaces, loose bark, flowerpots and underneath objects in the ground. A single colony can have several nesting sites.

They have pale, translucent legs and abdomens and grow up to 1.6mm long.

Ghost ants eat sweet and greasy food, as well as honeydew produced from aphids.

Prevent ants fast. Speak to an expert today.

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Odorous House Ant

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 melons.

Pharoah’s Ant

Most commonly found in heating systems and areas with humidity, Pharaoh’s ants swarm all year long and are often found in hospitals. They form new colonies after their nests have been disturbed from insecticide treatments.

Pharaoh’s ants have black eyes and 2 small segments at the pedicel. Workers are yellow/brown with brown abdomen and grow up to 1.5-2mm long. Males have wings and are usually black and 3mm long. Queens are dark red and also have wings, and typically measure 3.5-6mm long.

Larvae take 18-20 days to mature into adults.

Their favourite foods are high in protein, such as meat, blood, fat and dead insects.

Carpenter Ant

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.

Argentine Ant

A well-known ecological pest, Argentine ants are aggressive and territorial, and will deter other native ant species from setting up a colony in their preferred area. They also attack nesting birds and hatching eggs. You’ll find their nests in wood, tree cavities, older shrubs and mulch.

Argentine ants are light to dark brown in colour, with a small and slender build. They grow 2.2-2.6mm long.

Their diet includes sweets, decaying fruit, cereal, meat products as well as insects.

Bull Ant

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.

Professional ant extermination

Before initiating treatment, our expert pest control technician will thoroughly assess the outbreak and identify the type of ant or ants involved. We’ll locate the ant nests as well as potential food sources that need to be removed.

Then, we’ll come up with a treatment plan, which typically involves a combination of the following methods:

Ant control dust

When sprinkled into wall cavities and roof voids and other hard-to-reach areas, this kills ants upon contact.

Insecticide

Applied to treated zones around the perimeter of the building, this acts as an effective deterrent for ants attempting to enter.

Chemical baits

We’ll strategically position baiting stations at popular feeding sites to ensure that as many ants as possible can carry the poisonous bait back to the colony.

Ant prevention treatment can usually take time before seeing results, so your technician will need to return to replenish it and review its effectiveness after a few weeks.

For effective and reliable ant removal, choose Allstate

At Allstate pest control, 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.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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8371 1277

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common ants found in Australian homes?

Argentine, blackhouse, and ghost ants are Australia’s most common ant varieties. These nuisance pests are attracted to sweet foods, pet food, and other insects and often build nesting sites in wall spaces or soil near foundations.

How can I identify a bull ant in my backyard?

Bull ants are a native ant species known for their powerful sting and aggressive nature. They have distinct reddish-brown bodies, large mandibles, and painful bites. Bull ants are found near trees, plants, or nest mounds in urban and rural areas.

Are carpenter ants dangerous to my house structure?

Carpenter ants can cause significant damage by hollowing wooden structures for nesting sites. Although they don’t consume wood, their presence is marked by smooth tunnels, frass, or disturbed wooden surfaces.

What eco-friendly methods can I use to manage ghost ants?

To manage ghost ants and other ant species, use natural repellents like vinegar sprays, lemon juice, or essential oils such as peppermint. Ensure cleanliness to prevent attraction to honeydew produced by aphids, sweet foods, or dead insects. Seal entry points near wall spaces and heating systems to prevent invasive ants like Pharaoh’s ants from creating new colonies.

When should I call a professional pest control service for ants?

Call a pest control service if ants like fire ants or coastal brown ants build super colonies or if invasive ant species cause structural damage. Licensed experts can treat commercial buildings, homes, and urban areas infestations, particularly when colonies with multiple queens or satellite nests are involved.

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