In Singapore, there exist over 130 species of ants as of 2018. Most of these ants originate from other parts of the world as a result of an increase in trading activities.
Majority of homeowners in Singapore usually get concerned when an ant colony in their houses gets out of control. Disappointments of highest order often come when you notice an invasion of ants in your food as soon as you place your food on the table. Most ants enter properties seeking for resources and food. Sometimes they might find certain buildings attractive since it offers shelter from natural predators and cooler weather.
It is not rare to suffer an ant infestation in Singapore due to the number of species which frequently invade urban areas. Climate change also contributes to a great extent an ant infestation in this country. This article will provide comprehensive details on common ant species in Singapore, signs of an infestation, how to get rid of ants and finally getting a professional ant pest control service. By the end of this article, you will be able to get clear information about the latter topics.
Common Ant Species in Singapore
There are a number of types of ants which residents in Singapore need to worry about. They are not limited to the following.
1. Ghost Ants
They are also referred to as sugar ants. Ghost ants mostly prefer moist environments. They are commonly seen around the kitchen and in places such as under the sink, behind appliances such as a refrigerator or even in cabinets. As earlier mentioned, ghost ants favor sugary and sweet foods rich in carbohydrates for survival and to suit the needs of their colonies. They are usually characterized by translucent bodies and dark heads. Ghost ants are approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm long.
2. Pharaoh Ants
They sometimes get out of control and can be a challenge to deal with. They are resistant to pesticides. When they are sprayed, these ants break up their colony and scatter to new locations, hence making them difficult for property owners to handle. They usually bite people/property when they feel threatened. These ants are approximately 2mm long. They feature queens who can live up to 12 years. They are nocturnal in nature and mostly feed on foods that have many proteins. They have a distinct golden/yellow-brown color and each one of them can easily be identified. They can survive anywhere provided that they form their colony there.
3. Carpenter Ants
They live in trees and in wooden structures. They resemble termites. They don’t feed on wood but carve out an area for a colony with their own mouths. They measure approximately 15 to 17 mm long. They are black and red-brown. They feed on dead insects and honeydew. They favor moist environments.
4. Crazy Ants
They are typically dark red or black in color. Crazy ants have long legs and they possess defensive techniques. They are a challenge to destroy since when their colony is disturbed, they scatter in different directions. They are about 2 to 3 mm. long with antennae that give it a distinct look. They mostly feed on sugary resources.
Signs of an Ant Infestation
The best way to tell signs of an ant infestation is to identify an ant nest close to your place of residence/home. They are mostly located in places made of dirt. Alternatively, you can easily see the signs of an ant infestation by physically seeing a live ant on a property searching for food.
How to Get Rid of Ants
The easiest way of dealing with ants is to prevent its infestation even before it starts showing signs. It is vital to clean up crumbs, messes, and spills since most ants are attracted to buildings and resources.
Foodstuffs packages should be properly sealed. Excessive moisture should also be wiped up to prevent the entry of ants in homes and property.
Cracks around windows, doorways, and walls should be sealed properly to prevent the entry of ants. You can also hire a professional to manage and deal with ants because they understand their traits, types, and habits. Above all, buildings should be kept safe from this pervasive pests.
Getting Professional and Pest Control Services
This is appropriate for both residential and commercial properties. You need to consult a firm that offers services that are original and uses non-generic chemicals which have a low mammalian toxicity and are environmentally friendly.
You have to seek to advise from professional and pest control service that will allow you to accomplish your goals of eradicating and dealing with ants. In Singapore, there are a variety of good quality pest control companies that you can consult such as Aegis Pest Control Services to offer you with the necessary skills and methods to deal with an infestation of ants.
