Ants are one of the most common pests found commercially and domestically in Singapore. Sometimes it does not matter how swift you wipe your kitchen tops and how diligently you clear your leftovers – the ants still invade your property! 

Dealing with ants infestations can be quite tricky. It is vital to be able to identify the species of ants that is causing the problem. Ants have varying food preferences and constantly scavenge for food. Hence control methods are dependent upon many contributing factors including: species of ants, food preferences and colony requirements. In some instances choosing a residual spraying treatment over a gel baiting method, may cause budding of colonies which could have been prevented if prior knowledge of the specie is applied purposefully.

The prime target of the control measures for ants must be the colony and the nest itself wherever possible. Sprays only target foraging ants, and others survive and colony management becomes difficult. The colony’s most important members are the queens. They are responsible for reproduction and the life of a colony is dependent and organized around them.

Common species of ants found in Singapore:

• Pharoah’s Ants 
• Ghost Ants
• Crazy Ants
• Weaver Ants

 

Pharaoh’s Ants

• Yellow to light brown in colour

• Nest primarily indoors in wall voids, cabinet voids and other dark undisturbed areas

• Small in size, about 2mm in length

• Prefer protein and oil based food

 

Ghost Ants

• Got their name from the size and also their translucent abdomen and legs
• Small in size, about 1.5mm in length
• When crushed, they give off coconut like smell
• Nest primarily indoors in wall voids, cabinet voids and other dark undisturbed areas
• Prefer sugar based food

 

Crazy Ants

• Got their name because of their quick and erratic movements
• Dark brown to black in colour
• They are about 3mm in length
• They have distinctive long legs and antenna
• Nest primarily outdoors 
• Prefer sugar based food

 

Weaver Ants

• Reddish to orange-brown in colour
• They are about 8-10mm in length
• Nest primarily outdoors
• Feed on small insects 

 

Common Ant Treatment

• Gel Baits
  The gel baits act as an attractant and a food source for ants. These gel baits are very effective, in that the poisons are designed to be transferred between the worker ants and ultimately taken back to the nest where eradication of the entire ant colony is achieved. 

 

• Residual Spraying
  Residual Spraying is the rapid knockdown aspect of ant control but needs to be applied appropriately in accordance to the ant species at hand. It also leaves a residue when dry. Even after our specialist is long gone, this residue creates a ‘kill zone’ whereby ants are infected when they trample on the treated areas. When used correctly and in conjunction with each other both products provide effective long term control of ants.