If you’ve noticed more ants than usual scurrying around your home or garden lately, you’re not alone—and it might be time to take a closer look.
Australians, especially those living in Perth and other parts of the country, are being urged to be on high alert for a new and highly invasive pest: the African black sugar ant.
While they may look like your average backyard ant, these tiny invaders are causing big headaches for homeowners, local wildlife, and even our infrastructure.
What’s the big deal?
African black sugar ants were first detected in Perth’s southern suburbs in 2020. They have been making themselves at home in Australia at an alarming rate.
Authorities have confirmed more than a dozen nests in recent months, and experts warn that these ants are ‘notorious hitchhikers’—able to spread rapidly by stowing away in goods, rubbish, and even building materials.
Unlike our native ants, these invaders are capable of forming ‘super colonies’—vast networks of interconnected nests that can stretch for hundreds of square kilometres. This means that once they get a foothold, they’re incredibly difficult to eradicate.
Why should you be concerned?
It’s not just a matter of a few extra ants at your next picnic. African black sugar ants are highly invasive and can cause significant damage in and around buildings.
They’re known to nest in cardboard, rubbish, garden waste, and even inside electrical boxes and wiring, putting homes and infrastructure at risk.
Imagine the headache of dealing with electrical faults or damaged appliances, all thanks to a colony of ants!
But the threat doesn’t stop at your front door. These ants are aggressive competitors, outmuscling native ant species for food and territory. This can have a devastating impact on local ecosystems, as native ants play a crucial role in soil health, seed dispersal, and pest control.
How did they get here?
While it’s not entirely clear how African black sugar ants made their way to Australia, authorities suspect they arrived via imported goods. Their ability to hitch a ride in almost anything—from shipping containers to pot plants—makes them a particularly tricky pest to contain.
What do they look like?
You might be wondering how to spot these unwelcome guests. African black sugar ants are ordinary-looking, shiny, dark brown or black ants.
They tend to move in large numbers, and if you notice a sudden surge of identical-looking ants on your property, it could be a sign of an infestation.
What should you do if you spot them?
If you suspect you’ve found African black sugar ants, don’t try to move infested items yourself—this could help them spread even further.
Instead, report any sightings to your local Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) or call the Pest and Disease Information Service on 08 9368 3080. Early detection and reporting are key to stopping these ants in their tracks.
The invasive ants pose a threat to Australia’s ecology. Image source: W. Uys / DPIRD
How to protect your home and community
Inspect regularly: Check your property for large numbers of identical-looking ants, especially in and around rubbish, garden waste, and building materials.
Be careful with goods: Avoid moving items that could be harbouring ants, especially if you’re travelling between regions.
Keep things tidy: Reduce potential nesting sites by keeping your garden and home free of unnecessary clutter, cardboard, and rubbish.
Educate your neighbours: The more people who know what to look for, the better our chances of stopping the spread.
Where else are they found?
While the current hotspots are in Western Australia, there have also been reports of African black sugar ants in Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria. This means all Aussies should be vigilant, no matter where you live.
Why invasive species matter
Australia has a long history of battling invasive species, from cane toads to fire ants. Each new arrival brings its own set of challenges, threatening our unique wildlife, agriculture, and way of life.
The African black sugar ant is just the latest reminder of how important it is to stay alert and work together to protect our environment.
Have you had a run-in with these ants?
We’d love to hear from you! Have you noticed unusual ant activity around your home? Have you had to deal with an infestation? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your story could help others stay one step ahead of these sneaky invaders.
Stay informed and stay safe
For more information on identifying and managing invasive ants, visit your state’s biosecurity website or contact your local council. And remember, when it comes to protecting your home and our environment, every little bit helps.
Have you spotted these ants in your area? What steps have you taken to keep your home pest-free? Let us know in the comments!
Also read: A hidden garden threat left this Australian mum fighting for her son’s life
