Ants


Ants are social insects that live in nests. The nests vary in size depending on their age and the species of ant. Nests are usually found in the ground, in wood or under rocks but can also be found in walls, fireplaces, under paths and in buildings.

All ants can benefit the environment:

  • Some ants eat insect pests such as termites.
  • Ant nests improve the soil, as they quickly recycle nutrients back into the soil.
  • Ants are food for a wide range of native birds, reptiles and other small animals.

However, ants can also be pests because:

  • they and their nests may be considered unsightly
  • some bite or sting, such as the bull ant
  • they may kill or damage seeds or seedlings
  • they can also cause damage to houseplants, nursery plants and crops by the cultivation of sap sucking insects such as scale and aphids. Ants use the honeydew produced by these pests as a food source and in turn protect the sucking insect from attack by predators.

Ants are most active from October to March.

Common ants in Canberra

There are over 1200 ant species in Australia. The most common species of ant in Canberra are:

  • Black house ants (Iridomyrmex glaber) and white-footed house ants (Technomyrmex albipes) are small black ants 2.5-3 mm long. They nest in rockeries, near or under paths, in wall cavities and in potted plants. They eat a variety of foods and are attracted to sweet substances. They give an annoying bite but do not sting.
  • Meat ants (Iridomyrex purpureus) are 12-14 mm long and are red/purple and black. They like sunny areas and often build large gravelly mounds. They feed mainly on animal material and honeydew. They can bite but do not sting and rarely enter houses.
  • Sugar or carpenter ants (Camponotus species) are 5-15 mm long, with orange/brown bodies, black abdomens with an orange/brown band and black heads. They nest in decayed moist wood or sometimes in the soil. They feed on dead and live insects, honeydew and household waste and are attracted by sweet food. These ants do not sting and rarely enter houses.
  • Bulldog or bull ants (Myrmecia species) have red bodies and black abdomens. They are about 20 mm long. These ants can cause a painful sting. They rarely enter houses and are usually found in the garden or bushland areas.
  • Argentine ants (Iridomyrmex humilis) are about 3 mm long and are light to dark brown in colour. They do not have the formic acid smell ants usually have and they are very active in their movements.

Reporting ants on ACT Government land

Report a meat ant infestation in a playground, barbecue or high pedestrian area on ACT Government land by using the European Wasp, Ants or Bees Report form.

Report a Red Imported Fire Ant in the ACT, or other ants that may pose a biosecurity risk to the ACT, by emailing ACTBiosecurity@act.gov.au or calling 02 6207 3587.

Infestations of other ant species on private land are the responsibility of the lease holder.

Ant control

Sanitation inside and outside the house is important in preventing ant infestations. The following can encourage ants:

  • pet food bowls
  • dirty dishes
  • food crumbs on the floor, benches or tables
  • sap sucking insects on plants
  • unemptied rubbish bins
  • old drink cans.

Keeping the property clean and controlling sap sucking insects on plants will greatly reduce the chance of ants becoming a problem. Placing pet food bowls in a tray of water may also help.

Chemical control may be needed for a persistent ant infestation. For small-scale ant problems your local garden centre can recommend appropriate controls and insecticides. Large-scale or complex ant infestations may require assistance from a professional pest controller.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.