Australia is home to over 1300 ant species; some are pretty troublesome, and others not so much. While most ants are harmless, certain species can wreak havoc at your home or workplace – Bull Ants are quite aggressive and deliver a painful sting, whereas Carpenter Ants can eat into your wooden structures and lead to structural damage. To manage these ants effectively and best tackle their presence on your premises, you have to first understand the different types of ants in Australia. To help you out, we will take you through the country’s six most common ant species. Go through this list and ensure you are prepared to detect the nature of the infestation troubling your property and implement the appropriate eradication measures.

Let’s get started.

Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile)

Sized about 2-3 mm and light to dark brown in colour, Argentine Ants are one of the most common and invasive Australian ant species. They are quick to find a way into your premises and multiply, causing a major infestation. Argentine Ants are quite aggressive and establish their territory by displacing native ants. These ants are most commonly found in urban areas, enter your property in search of food, and thrive in warm and moist environments. As they breed in their nests and not in the open, their presence and the extent of the infestation are not generally detected at the earlier stages.

Coastal Brown Ants/Big-Headed Ants (Pheidole megacephala)

Coastal Brown Ants are light brown and are large-headed; therefore, they are also known as Big-Headed Ants. They are a common Australian ant species found in homes, gardens and coastal areas. Coastal Brown Ants are 3-4 mm in size and are an adaptable species that adjust their nests and behaviour as per the environment. As they exist together in large numbers, they efficiently store food and protect their colonies. These ants diet on small insects, honeydew, and plant material, making them common in vegetative and green environments. What makes them a troublesome species is both their aggressive nature and the potential to displace the native species.

Bull Ants (Myrmecia species)

Among all ant varieties in Australia, the Bull Ants are the largest in size – they can grow up to 40 mm long. Apart from size, their painful sting and aggressive behaviour make them an active predator. They have excellent eyesight and are most commonly found in bushland forested areas and suburban gardens. Bull Ants are known to create intricate nests and feed on insects, spiders, etc. Reddish light brown or black in colour, they are easy to spot but rarely find their way into your homes as they always build their nests on rocky or sandy ground. But they can build nests in surrounding areas and turn out to be troublesome, necessitating professional pest removal services.

Carpenter Ants (Camponotus species)

Carpenter Ants are a suitable name for this Australian ant species, as they nest in rotten wood. They are constantly found in woodlands and forests, and they excavate wood to build nests. If your premises have wooden structures and furniture, it can potentially become a breeding ground for Carpenter Ants. They are large, black or brown, and can be spotted easily. Locating them at your premises is a sign to avail of professional ant removal services because, if ignored, it can lead to costly structural damages.

Green Tree Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina)

With distinctive green heads, Green Tree Ants are one of the most unique ant species in Australia. Measuring between 5 to 7 millimetres in length, they are most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Northern Australia. Their stings are painful and territorial, but they can effectively prevent garden pests. They can nest in diverse locations, from soil and leaf litter to rotting logs or under rocks. Green Tree Ants are also known as weaver ants as they weave leaves together to build nests using silk produced by their larvae.

Odorous Garden Ants/Sugar Ants (Tapinoma sessile)

Odorous Garden Ants discharge produces a weird smell resembling coconut when crushed, that’s why the name. They forage for sweet foods and are commonly found in Australian gardens and homes. Due to their affinity for sweet food, they are also known as Sugar Ants. They are dark brown or black and grow up to 15 mm long. These ants are not precisely aggressive, but they can become quite troublesome if they find their way into your premises in search of food.

Eradicate all Types of Ants in Australia Effectively

At OZPest Solutions, we offer comprehensive ants pest control services that cover all ant types. As a team with years of experience delivering effective solutions. We are familiar with all common ant varieties in Australia and tailor our service to meet the unique requirements of your property. So, if you have spotted a swarm of ants on your premises, avail of our services without any delays and expect flawless service. Irrespective of the type of ant, we will do the job right.