Ants are common insects, but they have some unique attributes — and the Gold Coast’s warm, subtropical climate makes them one of the most persistent pests local homeowners and businesses deal with year-round.
Their first unique attribute is their vast numbers. There are more than 15,000 known ant species around the world. In Australia there are 1275 known species of ants. Only a handful of these (mostly introduced species) are considered pests — but on the Gold Coast, a few of them turn up in kitchens and yards from Southport to Coolangatta on a very regular basis.
Their second unique attribute is their skill in colonisation. Ants have colonised almost every terrestrial habitat on earth except the polar regions and highest mountain tops, and they’re especially prevalent in warm, humid environments like South East Queensland — which is exactly why Gold Coast properties see so much ant activity, particularly after summer storms drive colonies to higher, drier ground.
And the third is their structured communities. Ants typically live in nest communities located underground, in ground-level mounds, or in trees and timber. Carpenter ants nest in wood and can be destructive to buildings. Ant colony sizes vary; nests can range from a few dozen to millions of individuals. Some species, such as army ants, defy the norm and don’t have permanent homes, instead seeking out food for their enormous colonies during periods of migration.
On the Gold Coast, the wet season from November through March is when we see the biggest jump in call-outs, as rising water tables push ant colonies indoors in search of dry ground.
Ants look much like termites, and the two are often confused — especially by nervous Gold Coast homeowners doing a quick inspection of their own. However, ants have a narrow “waist” between the abdomen and thorax, which termites do not. Ants also have large heads, elbowed antennae, and powerful jaws.
Most ants do not cause the same structural damage that termites cause. However, an ant infestation can be problematic for other reasons. Pest ants often nest in and around buildings, congregate in food preparation areas, and have the potential to spread disease. Singapore ants are attracted to plastics in electrical equipment and have been responsible for electrical fires in Gold Coast homes and businesses. If you’re not sure which one you’re dealing with, it’s worth getting a professional opinion — the treatment approach for ants is very different to a termite treatment program.
Ants are considered a pest when they infest buildings and surrounds, and feed on human foodstuffs. On the Gold Coast, the subtropical climate means pest ant activity rarely slows down, even over winter.
The major pest ants we treat for on the Gold Coast and in Tweed Heads are the:
Richard treats ant infestations right across the Gold Coast and into northern NSW, including Broadbeach Waters, Reedy Creek, Varsity Lakes, Southport, Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta and Tweed Heads. See our full list of Gold Coast service areas.
The wet season, from November through March, is when Gold Coast properties see the biggest jump in ant activity, as rising water tables push colonies indoors looking for dry ground. Coastal suburbs with sandy soil can also see year-round activity.
Some ants respond to DIY sprays and baits, but species like the Pharaoh’s ant and Singapore ant are notoriously hard to eradicate without professional-grade treatment, and DIY sprays can sometimes make a colony split and spread rather than die off.
Not usually — most ants don’t cause structural damage the way termites do. But because the two are easy to confuse, it’s worth having a professional confirm which one you’re dealing with, especially if you’re seeing activity in timber.
Yes. Singapore ants in particular are drawn to the plastics in electrical equipment and have been responsible for electrical faults and fires in Gold Coast homes and businesses.
Richard treats ant infestations across the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads, from Southport and Surfers Paradise down to Burleigh, Robina and Coolangatta.
Comprehensive, authoritative and thorough pest control for ants on the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads. Prompt, efficient service guaranteed.