Ants
Ants are among the most successful insect groups, with over 12,000 species identified—though only about 1% are pests to humans. These social insects live in structured colonies and often invade buildings in search of food or nesting sites. While not typically harmful, ants become a nuisance when they infest homes, contaminate food, or nest in walls.
Risks & Damages
Common Species in Malaysia
Several household ant species are commonly found in Malaysia, each with distinct behaviors and nesting preferences.
BIG-HEADED ANT (PHEIDOLE MEGACEPHALA)
This species forms colonies that can range from just a few hundred to several thousand ants, often with multiple queens. They typically nest in soil under stones, timber, or open mounds and can trail into buildings. Indoors, they forage for high-protein foods like meat, grease, and pet food, while their outdoor trails sometimes resemble those of subterranean termites.
PHARAOH ANT (MONOMORIUM PHARAONIS)
Pharaoh ants are notorious for their ability to form massive colonies in hidden indoor areas such as walls, behind baseboards, and under floors. They prefer warm, humid environments and often trail along electrical wiring and plumbing systems. Their diverse diet includes sweets, meats, and pet food, and they require high levels of moisture. In healthcare settings, they are known to forage on patient wounds, making them a serious concern.
ODOROUS HOUSE ANT (TAPINOMA SESSILE)
This soecies are named for the unpleasant odor they release when crushed. They form large colonies with many queens and can create supercolonies. Indoors, they nest in wall voids near heaters or sinks, and outdoors they prefer soil under objects. They are most likely to enter homes during drought or floods and usually feed on sweets, though their diet adjusts based on colony needs.
GHOST ANT (TAPINOMA MELANOCEPHALUM)
Ghost ants are tiny with pale, almost translucent legs and abdomens, making them hard to spot. They often nest indoors in wall voids, potted plant soil, or behind baseboards and require high moisture—frequently found around sinks, bathrooms, or kitchens. Their movements are quick and erratic, and their foraging trails indoors are often hidden along electrical wires or carpet edges.
CRAZY ANT (PARATRECHINA LONGICORNIS)
Crazy ants are named for their fast, erratic movements and unpredictable foraging patterns. They tend to nest indoors under floors, near heaters, or in wall voids and may form large, interconnected colonies that can shift nesting sites spontaneously. Outdoors, they build shallow nests in mulch, trash, or plant cavities and are capable of foraging up to 30 meters from the nest.
FIRE ANT (SOLENOPSIS INVICTA)
Fire ants are aggressive and capable of delivering multiple painful stings, especially when their nest is disturbed. They usually nest outdoors in sunny areas, creating large, dome-shaped mounds with extensive underground tunnels. Colonies can grow to massive sizes and sometimes invade structures through pipes or electrical systems. Attracted to protein-rich substances, fire ants are also drawn to electrical junctions, which can lead to equipment damage.