Black House Ant
This species is common and are relatively harmless. However, they are known scavenge in dog excrement, garbage and food for human consumption as well, which increases the risk of diseases being spread.
Appearance
- Shiny and black
- 2.5–3mm long
Habits
- Especially attracted to sweet foods
- Known to tent to aphids and bugs on domestic plants
- Can be agressive towards other species of ant if provoked
- Omnivorous - feeds on insects and worms, as well as vegetation (such as small seeds)
Life Cycle
- The larva, a white grub which tapers towards the head are fed by adults.
- The time it takes for an egg to fully mature as an adult ant is approximately 6 weeks depending on environmental temperature and availability of food.
- Fertilised eggs become female, unfertilised become males.
Signs of Infestation
- Look out for ant nest, which usually appear like a small pile of soil or dirty
- Regularly spotting individual ants in unconventional places, such as your bedroom or the bathroom
