Have you noticed that not all ants look the same? Some ants are tiny, while others are much larger. Some are pitch black, while other ants are red. And have you noticed that not all ants are inside your home or office?

There are about 550 known ant species in South Africa. While most ants prefer to stay outside, about 10 to 15 species invade our homes in search of food, water, and shelter.

The most common ants

Black or sugar ants. They are the ants you will find on the kitchen counters in homes and office buildings. They’re solid black and shiny, and roughly 2.5mm to 3mm long.

Argentine ants. These ants often come inside when they look for water. They are light to dark brown and 2mm to 3mm long.

Coastal or big-headed ants. They usually scavenge homes in search of fats and meat. They are light brown to reddish-brown, and the worker ants are about 2mm.

Pharaoh ants. You’ll usually find these ants in cracks and wall cavities. They are pale yellow to light orange and measure 1.5mm to 2mm long.

Carpenter ants. These ants dig out tunnels inside our homes and offices in the timber and skirtings. They are much bigger and range between 7mm and 15mm long.

Active periods

These ants are most active during spring and summer, meaning from September to March. But weather changes have a big influence on their activity levels. For instance, the first spring rains tend to wake them up from their dormancy. And they scavenge for food to stock up on their nest’s depleted energy supplies.

But just because you’re not seeing them in your home or office doesn’t mean that they’re not there.

Damage done

Ants aren’t as harmless as they look, and there are a few reasons why you should get rid of them.

1.       Ants are not clean, and they carry bacteria on their feet and bodies, which spread wherever they go.

2.       They can cause physical damage to buildings when they build their nests in crevices and cracks.

3.       Ants love electrical heat, and some ants build their nests in wall sockets, distribution boards, gate motors, and sometimes even in computers and the office server rooms.

4.       A few scout ants might seem harmless, but the pheromone trail they leave behind will attract the rest of the colony. And before you know it, you have an ant infestation in your home or office.

Call the experts

Don’t wait for one ant to multiply into many ants. Call the experts at Premium Pest Control to take care of the pests in your home, office, estate, warehouse, or other buildings. We’re here to assist you in getting rid of pests and to maintain the property all year round.