CASE STUDY

ANTS

There are several types of ants that can usually be found, which are the Fire ants (Solenopsis spp.)
Fruit ants (Dolichoderus spp.), Garden ants or Big-Headed ants (Pheidolegeton diversus), Kerengga ants or Weaving ants (Oecophylla smaragdina), Pharaoh ants ( Monomorium pharaonis), Speedo ants (Iridomyrmex spp.), Sugar ants (Tapinuma melanocephalum) and etc.

Characteristics of Ants

• Belongs to the Caste System, consisting of Queen, King, Reproductive, Soldier & Worker
• Can easily be differentiated from other insects by their elbowed antennae and 8-shape abdomen
• Use their antennae to touch and taste as they are nearly blind
• Body colour is mostly red, black, yellow and brown
• Incredibly strong and can lift a load 40 times its body weight.
• Ancestral enemies of termites

Hazards Caused

• Causes pain upon sting
• Polluting food as they feed on variety of food
• Prevent plant normal growth as they feed on germinating seeds

Control Methods

• Regular systematic spraying is to be carried out to the whole perimeter of the building (including apron area) and other sensitive areas. A good knockdown and residual insecticide will be used. For complete termination of ants, tracing & destroying of the nest(s) is essential.