5 Most Common Ant Species in Singapore

TL;DR:

Discover the 5 most common ant species invading Singapore homes and businesses, and learn to recognise the signs of infestation before they escalate. This guide helps you identify each species, understand their habits, and apply practical prevention strategies, empowering you to tackle ant problems efficiently and protect your property from costly damage.

Ants can be found anywhere in Singapore. Like termites and bed bugs, they are an unwelcome presence in residential and commercial properties. If left to their own, they can contaminate food and damage things and structures. Thus, property owners have to hire pest control in Singapore to effectively exterminate these pests and save themselves from costly repairs.

These insects have more than 130 species in Singapore and they are expected to grow due to increased trade. As goods are being imported from other countries, the probability of foreign ant species coming in is high. But then, if you’re having regular ant control in your property from professionals, they will not be a big problem for you.

What are the 5 most common ant species in Singapore?

Ants are difficult to kill with DIY pest control. When you don’t know anything about an ant species that you’re dealing with, you’re likely to make mistakes and worsen infestations. So, what are the 5 most common ant species to watch out for? Keep on reading to find out!

1. Ghost Ants

This ant species is the top cause of ant infestations. Also called sugar ants, ghost ants love moist environments. You can usually find them in cabinets, under the sink, or behind appliances where they can find sweet foods. They need the carbohydrates in sugary foods to survive.

Physical Characteristics:

• Dark heads
• Translucent bodies
• About 1.3 to 1.5 mm. long

2. Odorous House Ants

Just like the ghost ants, this type of ants dwells in moist places. During hot and dry weather, they can be found on toilet lids and house plants. They eat not just human foods but also pet foods too. Fruits are a favourite sugary food source of this ant species.

Physical Characteristics:

• Coconut-like odour when crushed
• 12 segments for antennae
• Brown or black in colour
• About 1.6 to 3.1 mm. long

3. Pharaoh Ants

One of the most difficult ant species to eliminate, Pharaoh ants tend to scatter when sprayed with pesticides. They will form new colonies in new locations making ant control more tedious than other ant species. Pharaoh ants will bite if they feel threatened. They feed on oily or protein-rich foods and will form a colony anywhere they want.

Physical Characteristics:

• With queens that can live as long as 12 years
• Distinct golden colour
• About 2 mm. long

4. Carpenter ants

Carpenter ants thrived in trees and wooden structures. Although wood is not their food, they carve an area for their colony using their mouths. They are commonly mistaken for termites because of this behavior. Carpenter ants are attracted to moist environments so you’ll like to find them in kitchens, bathrooms, and other damp areas. They love eating dead insects and honeydew.

Physical Characteristics:

• Typically black and reddish-brown
• About 15 or 17 mm. long

5. Crazy Ants

These ants earned their name due to their defensive strategy on survival. They are hard to exterminate because they will scatter anywhere when their colony is disturbed. Although they feed on all types of foods, sugary foods are their favourites so you’ll likely see them with ghost ants in damp places

Physical Characteristics:

• Long legs and antennae
• About 2 to 3 mm. in length
• Typically black or dark red in colour

How to eliminate ants?

Ant infestations should be detected and addressed as early as possible. You can prevent the onset of infestation by making sure to remove food sources like crumbs and spills. Wipe excessive moisture to discourage them from entering your property. Seal up entry points like doorways, window cracks, and holes in the walls.

Read Also: How to get rid of ants permanently

However, if ant infestation is already out of control, it’s best to call a pest control company like Greencare. Greencare technicians have the experience and knowledge to do ant control in Singapore. You can book a consultation at +65 6970 0205 anytime you need help on pest management and control.