Ants
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Ants

Ants look pretty harmless, but are they, really?

Common ant species in the Philippines

Crazy Ant

Paratrechina spp.

Appearance: Dark-colored

Size: 4mm

This ant is commonly found in outdoor and indoor areas, and is distinguished by its erratic movement. They usually stay in the cracks and crevices of your home or building, especially if there is good moisture or warmth. Because of their ability to produce large colonies, their infestation in buildings can be very extensive.
Tropical fire Ant

Solenopsis geminata

Appearance: Light to golden brown

Size: 3-6mm

These ants can bite and sting, causing reddish swells that can be really itchy or uncomfortable for more sensitive people. They are normally outdoor ants, but can also enter homes and buildings when they scavenge for food. They can also nest and establish new colonies in new territories.
Pharaoh Ant

Monomorium pharaonis

Appearance: Yellow or light brown

Size: 2mm

Believed to have originated from Egypt, these widely-distributed ant species is one of the biggest headaches for home and building owners because of the fast spreading of their colonies. These ants are very small, and are able to hide in tight spaces and crevices like wall cracks.
Cacao black Ant

Dolichoderus thoracicus

Appearance: Reddish brown or black

Size: 5mm

In the Philippines, these ants can be found in trees like lanzones, rambutan, and the like. They don't usually bite, but may do when disturbed. These ants can cause big problems because of their ability to build colonies inside homes, which can be very damaging.
Carpenter Ant

Camponotus species

Appearance: Black and red

Size: Up to 25mm

These ants are called as such because they can chew and hollow up damp wood to build their nests. These ants can infest homes and buildings to nest and look for food. They commonly infest wooden buildings and structures, and can cause structural damage.
Pavement Ant

Tetramorium caespitum

Appearance: Dark Brown or blackish

Size: 4mm

These ants nest along sidewalks, under the pavements, or in building foundations. These ants build underground nests, and are well adapted to urban areas. This ant is omnivorous, feeding not only on sweet foods, but also on other insects.
Long horn crazy Ant

Paratrechina longicornis

Appearance: Brownish-black

Size: 2.3 to 3.0mm

This ant is commonly found outdoors and indoors, and is distinguished by its jerky and erratic movements. They are usually found within the cracks and crevices of homes and buildings, especially if there is high moisture or warmth.

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Common ant species in the Philippines

Household nightmare
Ants cause food contamination, fabric damage, and costly structural damage to homes and buildings.
Costly medical treatments
Stinging bites can bring about costly medical treatments.
Economic loss
Ants can cause economic losses in both agriculture and urban settings, particularly in food manufacturing, commissaries, and other food handling establishments
Disease carriers
They can carry disease pathogens in food factories, hospitality, and medical establishments.

Ant Management must be systematic and consistent.

With the different habits and biology of the various ant species, identification is the first of the applicable solutions. Our science-based solutions for ant management are always geared for long-term management. Wise and efficient chemical control methods are complemented with applicable PIXA Integrated Pest Management components.

Sources

PCAP Training, 2020
Dr. I. Lit, Jr.
Urban Pest Control, A Practitioner's Guide
P. Dhang
Handbook of Pest Control
A. Mallis

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