The 8 Most Common Types of Ants in Australia

Australia has 1,300 species of ants (only a few are considered pests); however, we see some species more commonly in our homes and gardens. When you know these ants, it’s easier to find infestations and deal with them accordingly.

1. Black House Ants

They're tiny, dark brown/black in colour and are around 2-3mm in length. They are drawn to sweet foods and can frequently be found in kitchens, pantries and places where food is stored. They nest in the voids of walls, floors, and gardens. So long as you clean your house, seal entry points and apply ant baits, you can control them.

2. Fire Ants

Fire ants are red or brown and measure 2-6 mm, ascending your legs. They are aggressive and construct dome-shaped mounds which may be up to 60 cm high. They sting painfully and can evoke allergic reactions. The South American fire ant is the most widespread (Solenopsis invicta in Australia.

3. Argentine Ants

Argentine ants are small and light to dark brown, measuring 2–3 mm in length. They are often very dense colonies and supercolonies, rapidly increasing their range. They love all sorts of sticky foodstuffs and can come into homes, gardens and parks. Integrated pest management with baits and chemicals is required to control them.

4. Meat Ants

Meat ants are big (6-12 mm long) black ants possessing a reddish-brown or purplish tinge. They are pugnacious birds that build big colonies in grasslands and woods. They are scavengers that feed on dead insects and carrion, occasionally entering homes or picnic areas. Although valuable for pest control, they can give painful stings.

5. Coastal Brown Ants

Coastal Brown Ants are terrestrial, 3-4mm long ants that are found under rocks in gardens, dunes and urban areas. They are polygynous, meaning that large colonies contain many queens, and eat insects, honeydew, and plant matter. They are predatory and outcompete native ants. They may even need to be exterminated through pest control.

6. Bull Ants

Bull Ants are large (1.5-3cm m), reddish-brown or black in colour with long mandibles. They are solitary foragers and nest in the ground. Bull ants are aggressive, and their bite is painful.

7. Green Head Ants

Green Head Ants have green heads and dark bodies, and measure from 5–7 mm in length. They are also very aggressive and will bite if threatened. They are insectivorous, nectar feeding and scavenger ants that nest in the soil, leaf litter or under logs.

8. Sugar Ants

Sugar Ants are black to dark brown, 15 mm long, and may be lured by sweet items. They join supercolonies of up to a thousand workers. Sugar ants are the type most likely to infest homes, and keeping food sealed and counters clean can help deter them.

Ant Control and Prevention

You can keep ants away by sealing any entry points and ensuring cleanliness, or you may consider using ant baits or natural repellents such as vinegar and lemon juice. For aggressive ants such as fire ants or bull ants, it is best to call a professional pest control service.

For residents in The Vines and surrounding areas, Ark Termite Treatment offers expert ant and pest control services.

📞 (08) 6186 7468
🌐 Visit: https://arktermitetreatment.com.au