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Ants in and around Perth

Australia is home to over 1,300 identified species and subspecies of ants, making them a common sight in our environment.

Ants are social insects that live in colonies, which vary in size depending on the species and environmental factors like food availability and weather conditions. A typical ant colony consists of a queen, worker ants (both major and minor), and their eggs, larvae, and pupae.

The colony usually starts with a single queen that has flown from her previous nest and been fertilized by one or several male ants. After mating, the male ant dies shortly afterward. The queen then searches for a suitable nesting site—like a tree stump or beneath a rock—where she lays a small clutch of eggs and remains with them as they develop. Once the larvae mature into adult ants, they begin foraging for food and caring for the queen's subsequent eggs.

Did you know? Worker ants typically live for about 40 to 60 days, while a queen ant can live for up to 15 years!

DIY Ant Treatments

It’s normal to see ants around your property, especially in gardens and outdoor areas, as they play a vital role in the ecosystem. Ants don’t always require pest control or treatments. However, if you’re dealing with imported species like Argentine ants or Coastal Brown ants, or if they start invading your home and becoming a nuisance, it’s time to consider professional ant treatment.

Many DIY ant control methods tend to be ineffective. This is often due to the vast number of ant species in Perth, each with unique nesting and feeding habits. At Joondalup Pest Control, we frequently hear from clients frustrated after spending money on DIY products that simply don’t work.

Another issue with DIY ant control products from hardware stores is that many are actually repellents. While repelling ants might sound appealing, it often backfires. Repellents can cause ants to avoid the product while still living just centimeters away, leading to ongoing infestations. Plus, many of these repellent powders, granules, and sprays can be toxic to non-target beneficial insects, like bees and earthworms.

DID YOU KNOW? Facts about ants Social Structure: Ants are highly social insects that live in organized colonies or communities. A single colony can contain thousands to millions of ants, depending on the species. Communication: Ants communicate with each other using pheromones, which are chemical signals. They use these signals to indicate food sources, warn of danger, or signal distress. Diverse Diet: While many ants are omnivores, some species have specialized diets. For example, leafcutter ants cut and carry leaves to their nests to cultivate fungus, which they then eat. Super Strength: Ants are incredibly strong for their size. They can lift objects that are 10 to 50 times their own body weight due to their small size and unique muscle structure. Longevity: The lifespan of ants varies by caste. Worker ants typically live for a few months to a year, while queen ants can live for 15 years or more. Farming and Herding: Some ant species engage in farming and herding. Leafcutter ants farm fungus, while others, like aphid-tending ants, "farm" aphids for their honeydew secretions. Widespread Presence: Ants are found almost everywhere on Earth, except in extreme desert environments and polar regions. They thrive in diverse habitats, from forests to urban areas. Colour Variety: Ants come in various colours, including black, red, yellow, and brown. The coloration can help identify different species and their roles within the colony. Nesting Habits: Ants build nests in various locations, including underground, in trees, and even within the walls of buildings. The type of nest often depends on the species and its habitat. Queen's Role: The queen ant is the colony's primary reproductive member. She can lay thousands of eggs each day, ensuring the colony's growth and survival.

About our Ant Treatments

Once a booking has been made, Joondalup Pest Control will attend the site at the arranged time. The ant control treatment will typically involve the following:

  • Assess the site to determine what species of ant are causing issues.

  • If ants are causing a nuisance inside, a high quality bait suitable for the ant species will likely be applied at entry points and harbourage areas. This is applied in a way that is safe for people and pets.

  • Identify and treat nesting sites - depending on the species of ants, these can include wall cavities, roof cavities, paving, lawns and garden areas. 

What should you do before and during  your ant treatment from Joondalup Pest Control?
Before treatment:
  • Avoid using DIY Products such as powders and granules, they can negatively effect our Ant treatment
  • Avoid sweeping away any ant mounds for a few days before your scheduled ant treatment.
  • Avoid spraying or wiping away any ant trails either inside or out.
During Treatment:
  • Bring people and pets inside. You are welcome to be home whilst we carry out your ant treatment. Once the treatment is completed, people and pets can typically go outside in as little as 30 minutes after treatment.
Joondalup Pest Control offer ant control for all species of ants. Our ant treatments  include a free service period - for ALL species of ants. If your ant's come back within the free service period time frame, we will return and remedy the problem at no further cost
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