Black House Ant
Black House Ants - How to get rid of Black HouseAnts - Black House Ants are a nuisance
Classification
Species category: Ant Scientific name: Ochetellus Glabe
Description
A small ant species with an intensely-black colour. Ithas a prominent petiole which distinguishes it from thewhite-footed ant. This ant measures 2.5mm and isslightly smaller and stockier than the white-footedvariety. An Australasian native, they are found in rural andurban areas and are very prevalent in Japan and Australia. They are often a pest of domestic environments and will build their nest in cracks or gaps, besidepathways. They generally enter the home in search of food. Like other ant species, they will nest underground and also in voids, for e.g. roof voids or wallcavities.
Behavior
They have a preference for sugary liquids and will tend to aphids and other bugs on domesticplants in order to feed off their sweet secretions. However, this species also feed on seeds andplants so can be a pest in stored food facilities. They navigate away from and to the nest in trails. Follow the trail to find the nest. They will alsoswarm during the nuptial flight, which can be distressing for a building’s inhabitants.
Risks
This ant is considered more of a nuisance than a very destructive pest. It can encourage aphidgrowth which leads to extensive plant damage. It’s also an expert at creating nests in difficult to spot cracks and crevices, making colonyelimination a tricky task. There can be more than one queen in the colony and reproduction is fast..