Ants

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Common Sri Lankan Ant Species:

Management:

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Sri Lanka boasts a rich biodiversity, and ants are no exception! These social insects play a significant role in the ecosystem but can become a nuisance if they invade your home.

Identification

Physical description: Ants are social insects with three distinct body parts: head, thorax, and abdomen. They have six legs and antennae for communication. Identifying specific species can be challenging, but some general characteristics can help:
- Size: Sizes vary greatly, from tiny ant mites (around 1mm) to large carpenter ants (over 2cm).
- Color: Colors range from black, brown, and red to yellow and even metallic shades.
- Waist: Look at the connection between the thorax and abdomen. Some ants have a single, pinched waist (petiole), while others have a double waist (pedicel).
Habitat: Sri Lankan ants occupy diverse habitats. Some, like weaver ants, build elaborate nests in trees. Others, like ghost ants, prefer to live indoors near moisture sources. Fire ants favor nesting in soil, while acrobat ants create unique hanging nests.
Feeding habits: Ants have varied diets depending on the species. Some are omnivores, scavenging for food scraps and dead insects. Others are herbivores, feeding on plant sap or seeds. Some even cultivate fungus gardens within their nests for food.

Behaviour

Life cycle: All ants undergo complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Queens are the only fertile females and can lay thousands of eggs, ensuring colony growth. Workers are sterile females that handle most tasks within the colony. Males have wings and only appear briefly for mating purposes.
Activity patterns: Activity can vary depending on the species. Some ants, like odorous house ants, are active during the day, while others, like carpenter ants, are primarily nocturnal.

Signs of Infestation

Visual signs: The most obvious sign is the presence of live ants themselves, especially trails of ants moving between their nest and a food source. Look for ant nests, which can be located outdoors in soil, under rocks, or even inside walls (for carpenter ants).
Behavioral signs: Ants may leave behind trails of pheromones, creating a sweet or greasy odor. You might also see shed wings from male ants after mating flights.

Common Sri Lankan Ant Species:

Sri Lanka has over 340 identified ant species! Here are a few commonly encountered types:

Black House Ants (Lasius niger): Small, dark-colored ants attracted to sweets and crumbs.
Crazy Ants (Paratrechina longicornis): Erratic movement characterizes these ants. They can be a nuisance indoors.
Ghost Ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum): Tiny, light-colored ants that prefer areas with high humidity, often near kitchens or bathrooms.
Fire Ants (Solenopsis spp.): These aggressive ants have a painful sting and can build large colonies outdoors.
Weaver Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina): These large, green ants build impressive nests from leaves sewn together with silk produced by their larvae. While beneficial outdoors, they can be intimidating if they find their way indoors.
Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.): Large, dark-colored ants that can damage wood by tunneling through it to create nests.

Management:

Ant infestations require different approaches depending on the species. Here are some general tips:

Identification: If unsure about the ant species, consider contacting a pest control professional for identification and targeted control methods.
Prevention: Seal cracks and gaps around entry points like windows, doors, and utility lines. Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills promptly.
DIY Methods: For mild infestations, try natural methods like ant baits, diatomaceous earth, or vinegar solutions. However, these may not be effective for all species.
Professional Control: For severe infestations or persistent problems, consider hiring a professional pest control company for a customized treatment plan.

809/36, Negombo Road, Mabola, Wattala

+94 77 368 8979

info@ceylonpestcontrol.com

Ants

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Common Sri Lankan Ant Species:

Management:

Need Help?

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Common Sri Lankan Ant Species:

Management:

Fumigation

Pest Control Services

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