Which ants are we dealing with?
Tiny, brown. Pushes up piles of fine soil between pavers and along slabs. The most common ant in Sydney gardens.
Small, shiny black. Forms trails into kitchens looking for sugar and water.
Black with pale feet. Nests inside walls and roofs; colonies can be huge.
Large, aggressive, painful sting. Found in yards near bushland. Jumper ant stings can cause severe allergic reactions.
Signs to look for
- Trails along skirting boards, benches and window frames
- Small soil piles between pavers or along the slab edge
- Ants coming out of power points or light fittings
- Winged ants swarming on warm, humid evenings
Ants around Sydney
Coastal brown ants thrive in the paved courtyards and new-build slabs across Camden and Liverpool estates. Bull ants and jumper ants are more common in yards near bushland, like parts of Campbelltown and Camden.
What you can do yourself
- Wipe up sugary spills and rinse recycling
- Keep pet food bowls in a shallow tray of water
- Trim plants and branches touching the house
- Don't spray trails with surface spray before we come, as it pushes them into new spots
How we treat ants
We apply a non-repellent liquid around the perimeter, slab edge, paving joints and entry points. Ants walk through it without noticing, carry it back and spread it through the nest. Indoors we use targeted ant baits. You'll see ants for a few days while it works through the colony.
How to prepare
- Leave ant trails alone so they lead us to the nest
- Clear access to the slab edge and paths
- Keep pets inside until outdoor areas are dry