Ant Infestation | Coastal Brown Ants

"Fed up with  ants in your dishwasher and cat food? You're not alone!

The Coastal Brown Ant, also known as the big-headed ant, is a persistent and invasive species that are persistent and annoying pest ant. Identified as one of the world's top 100 invasive species, this ant has two types of workers: the larger '"guard ant"' or major worker, and the smaller 'minor' worker. The Guard ants are notable for their disproportionately large heads equipped with powerful mandibles.  The guard ants are about twice the size of the worker ants and less numerous. Both types display colours ranging from light brown to nearly black.

Feeding Habits

Coastal Brown Ants primarily feed on fats, oils, and as a secondary preference, proteins. Mostly customers report seeing them in the dishwasher, cat food and always on the kitchen bench.

Habitats and Behaviors

These ants typically nest underground but may enter houses infrequently. Colonies can host multiple queens, leading to the formation of larger colonies. The Coastal Brown Ant is particularly common in sandy areas of Auckland such as Onehunga and Northcote, nesting in disturbed soils and often under objects near homes. Surprisingly, they also have a habit of consuming and repurposing bathroom grout for their nests.

Threats and Annoyances

While they don’t sting or cause structural damage, Coastal Brown Ants can become a nuisance due to their foraging habits in kitchens, bathrooms, and other household areas.

Effective Control Measures

To effectively manage these ants, we recommend using oil-based granular baits. These baits are ideal because ants, which feed through a tube-like mouthpart, cannot consume solid food directly and must bring the granules back to their nest, ensuring the entire colony is targeted. The products we use are the best products from Germany and the USA, are designed to maximize their impact through their transfer properties.

Are Coastal Brown Ants making your life difficult? Contact ACES | Ants today, and enjoy an ant-free home soon!"