We Specialise in Ants

 In Tasmania we have more than 140 species of Ant. In and around our houses we most commonly encounter two Ant species; the Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile) a small brown ant, and the common black ant (Lasius niger) a small to medium sized black ant. Some other ants that are less intrusive but also found commonly around Tasmanian gardens are; The Jack Jumper Ant, the Inchman Ant and the bull/ sugar ants.

 Argentine Ant

Linepithema humile, are a species of ant very common in Tasmanian homes and gardens. They are light brown in colour and less than 3mm long most of the time. It is originally native to Northern Argentina, but as an invasive species it has now established itself in all continents other than Antarctica. They are most known to eat foods containing proteins, this includes other animals such as lizards and birds. It is known that they have been in Australia for less than 70 years but very quickly spread across the country and they are now found in most areas of Tasmania. They are commonly found nesting in almost every area of the garden and in cracks on the ground, but have also been found nesting in piles of leaves and in timber. On more rare occasions they might also nest in concrete walls or even in homes. Inside homes they are usually only found when eating foods that have been left out, or looking for water, sometimes only going inside because their nest has been destroyed or flooded. They are typically not aggressive towards humans, but will attack when provoked. They are not poisonous but have been known to bite and be aggressive. Yards can contain many seperate nests of these ants, unlike most other species of Ant they work in tandem with other colonies to create super colonies. These can span many kilometers in diameter and harm all kinds of wildlife.

Common Black Ant

In Tasmania there are four species of black house ant commonly found around the home. Ranging in size from just 2mm long to 9mm long, these four species all act and behave very similarly. Found very commonly in roof spaces and nesting in walls of the home, these ants can be very difficult to deal with on a daily basis. On some occasions these ants are found nesting in bathrooms in places such as inside a toilet cistern, in shower rails and even in light fittings. Unlike other ants, the black ants will climb fences and hedges to gain access to buildings, whereas other ants will typically try to find entry points close to the ground. They are very common in houses with cathedral ceilings or flat roof profiles, but can also be found in any house style. These ants can be a problem in houses as they have been known to short out electrical appliances and break light fittings. They are not considered dangerous to humans as even if they do bite or sting it will have little to no effect to human skin.

Jack Jumper Ant

The Jack Jumper Ant (Myrmecia pilosula) is a venemous Ant found only in Australia. They are not known to be invasive in homes. But can be found in yards and gardens in rural areas, and even sometimes urban areas. The jack jumper ant is jet black, with bright orange legs and they tend to be between 12mm-14mm. They build their nests in small dirt mounds or in sand, so if you see a Jack Jumper ant nearby make sure to keep clear of the nest as they are very territorial and aggressive. Unlike many other ants, the Jack Jumper is known to be very quick, and can jump short distances. It has a very painful sting which in most situations will only lead to a small local reaction on the skin, but in severe cases it can give off an allergic reaction or even be fatal.

Inchman Ant

The Inchman ant is a very large species, native only to Tasmania. They are very large for an Ant, reaching sizes of between, 14mm-18mm, with the queen sized up to 24mm. Coloured almost completely black, with brown legs, they may be mistaken as a Jack Jumper, an obvious difference between the two is the size. They are quite aggressive and are known to commonly attack and bite humans and pets. They are found usually in bush land, with their nests build in the dirt and sometimes under rocks and trees. Their bites have never been known to kill, but they are quite painful. Very rare to see in urban populations, but in bushlands, they may be seen around the garden.

Sugar Ants

Sugar ants, also commonly known as a pissant or a bull ant are a large black and orange ant that can be quite common throughout Tasmania. Not dangerous towards humans, these ants are nocturnal and are often the busiest at night, though also common during the day. These ants feed on sugars, and sweet foods. These Ants are known to go foraging for food inside homes, but are most commonly found feeding on nectars from plants in gardens, and on tree sap. They can be found in both urban and rural areas, and are most prominent in the warmer summer months. Though not dangerous, many people call these ants the bull ant (a much more aggressive ant), which is a common misconception, these ants are not to be feared.