Common Ants have always been considered a major nuisance to residents of homes and offices.Various studies have also reputed that ants are potential mechanical vector of diseases by carrying bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Salmonella, etc. This is due to their habit of roaming from one place to another in search of food.
With the rise of living standard in Malaysia, the public is becoming more aware of the importance of pests like ants.
Common Ants are like honey bees, and termites, are social insects and live in colonies. The colonies are usually found in ground or in wood, but may also be located in debris, or in buildings. In order to survive, all castes must live together in unity. The most common caste sighted by man is the worker ants. Winged ants (alates) are the potential King and Queen swarming in search for new nesting sites to form a new colony. This castle is often seen when the humidity in the environment is high, like after a rain.
Telltale signs of infestation are their presence, occasionally the wings of the swarmers that drop off after flight. Some species of ants create mud tunnels to protect themselves from sunlight and dehydration. The tunnel is different from those of termites in that it is comparatively “loose” in texture.
ANTS CHEMICAL
CONTROLDirect treatment or the removal of the source of the problem; be it chemical or physical removal of the nests, is the best way to curb the ants problem.
Before an attempt to chemically treat against ants, it is important that sanitation is practiced. This involves the removal of all foodstuff and water sources of the ants. These sanitary efforts will encourage the foraging of ants; thereby “cross-over” the treated areas. Chemical treatment involves the use of a safe environment friendly and effective pesticide applied to the right places against the target pest. Residual effect of the chemical would need to be reinforced regularly to give continuous protection against the ants.