When it comes to ants, it’s easy to think of them as all the same. However, ants exhibit a variety of feeding behaviours and location preferences, which can be broadly divided into two key types: protein ants and sugar ants. Understanding these differences is essential for effective pest control and prevention. Let’s dive into the distinct characteristics of each type and highlight examples of ants commonly seen invading homes in Gippsland, Victoria.
Diet Differences🍖🍭
As their names suggest, the most noticeable difference between protein ants and sugar ants is their diet. Knowing what attracts them can help in controlling their spread.
🥩Protein Ants: The Meat Lovers
Protein ants prefer protein-rich foods such as meat, pet food, and dead insects. They are often more aggressive foragers due to their dietary needs. Common protein-loving ants in Gippsland include:
• Bull Ants: Recognised for their large size and powerful mandibles, these ants primarily feed on protein-based meals like meat and other animal-based foods. They can deliver painful stings if threatened.
• Green-Head Ants: While they are omnivores, these ants have a strong preference for protein and are often seen foraging for meat or dead insects. Their iridescent green heads make them easy to identify.
• Pharaoh Ants: Known for their small size but large colonies, Pharaoh ants are attracted to high-protein foods like meat, fats, and even blood. They are often found near pet food bowls, discarded meat scraps, or in warm, humid areas of homes.
🍬Sugar Ants: The Sweet Tooths
Sugar ants, on the other hand, are drawn to sweet substances such as sugary spills, honey, fruit, syrup, and crumbs from baked goods. In Gippsland, common sugar-loving species include:
• Black House Ants: Small and black, these ants are frequently seen trailing along kitchen countertops. They have a strong preference for sugary foods like honey, fruit, and soft drinks.
• White-Footed House Ants: Identifiable by their pale feet, these ants are omnivores but prefer sugar-based food sources. They are commonly found in kitchens or pantries where sweet treats are stored.
• Carpenter Ants: Though they primarily nest in wood, carpenter ants also have a sweet tooth and can often be found near sugar sources in homes, especially during the warmer months.
Habits & Habitats🏡🐜
🥩Protein Ants:
• Foraging Behaviour: Protein ants tend to be more aggressive foragers. They often follow well-established trails to outdoor environments rich in protein sources.
• Common Habitats: You’ll likely spot them scavenging around outdoor living areas, near pet food bowls, and outside close to rubbish and compost bins. They also thrive in garden beds, sheds, and under rocks or woodpiles.
• Activity Patterns: Many protein ants are active both day and night, making it crucial to seal entry points around the home and remove any accessible protein sources.
🍬Sugar Ants:
• Foraging Behaviour: Sugar ants often form long, organised trails, which makes them easier to track back to their nest. They are usually less aggressive than protein ants but can invade in larger numbers.
• Common Habitats: Indoors, sugar ants are frequently found in kitchens, pantries, and anywhere sugary foods are stored or spilled. Outdoors, they nest in soil, under rocks, and within hollow branches.
• Activity Patterns: Sugar ants are typically more active during the day and tend to invade homes in larger numbers during the warmer months. They are attracted to sugary spills, unsealed food containers, and even houseplants with honeydew-producing insects.
How to Manage Them🧹🛠️
Both types of ants can be a nuisance but knowing whether you’re dealing with protein ants or sugar ants is essential for effective management.
🥩Dealing with Protein Ants:
• Sanitation Tips: Regularly clean areas where food scraps might accumulate, such as under appliances, near pet feeding areas, and around outdoor barbecues. Ensure indoor and outdoor bins are emptied and cleaned.
• Storage Solutions: Keep pet food, meat, and other protein sources in sealed containers. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
• Entry Point Control: Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations to prevent entry.
🍬Dealing with Sugar Ants:
• Sanitation Tips: Promptly wipe down kitchen surfaces and clean up sugary spills. Make sure to sweep floors and vacuum regularly to eliminate crumbs.
• Storage Solutions: Store sweets and baked goods in airtight containers. Avoid leaving fruit on countertops for extended periods.
• Entry Point Control: Check windows, doors, and even plumbing entry points for cracks and seal them with silicone caulk.
When to Call the Experts?📞
It’s important to note that even with meticulous cleaning and preventive measures, ant infestations—whether protein or sugar—can still occur. If you’re dealing with a persistent infestation, our team at Gipps Pest can help!
We specialise in treating all types of ant infestations, including the protein and sugar ants common in Gippsland. Our targeted treatments ensure the right bait is used, providing expert pest control solutions tailored to your home’s needs. Plus, our 6-month aftercare program with free re-visits helps keep ant populations under control, ensuring long-term protection for your home.
Contact us today to learn more about our effective ant control solutions! 🐜🚫
