Glabber ants are probably the most common ants that we see in Hawaiʻi. They come in off the plants they feed on and can quickly make their way inside. Regardless of where they come from, Hawaiʻi residents want them out of their homes! We have the knowledge and tools to make that happen quickly, effectively, and responsibly.
Glabber Ant Identification
Glabber ants are uniformly black and have a pointy behind, unlike some of the other ant species that have more of a rounded posterior. They infest both inside and outside structures and are attracted to sweets.
They’ll feed on both plants, aphids and other plant pests like whiteflies and mealybugs that produce honeydew, a sticky substance that ants feed off, providing a symbiotic relationship between these ants and these plant pests.
Glabber Ant Inspections
Like other kinds of ants, Glabber ants will generally be found following a pheromone trail from other ants to food sources or new locations to colonize. We find them in flowering plants like plumeria trees, hibiscus, gardenias, and ixora, as well as stalked plants like palms, ti leaves, and ginger.
Inside, they’re fairly easy to spot because there’s usually a lot of them and are found trailing.
Kilauea’s Glabber Ant Control Process
Treatment will be most effective with baiting inside as well as an exterior perimeter treatment, and most importantly, identifying source/s around your home.
A good exterior treatment will keep the pests from coming inside, but the ants inside will become agitated and need to be controlled quickly.
Baits are an excellent treatment formulation for interior ants once the source outside is properly taken care of.
This is why do it yourself interior bait treatments aren’t long term solutions. Over the counter products like Terro are very attractive to this species, however, the amount of bait you need to take care of things inside as well as outside will be bucketloads.
Glabber Ant Control Tips for Homeowners
There’s a lot of ants in the neighborhood and once you get them out, you want to keep them out. That’s where our Kilauea home protection plan is designed to excel on Glabber ants.
Oʻahu homeowners can help in this process by looking out for shrub or tree branches that touch the house or fence because glabber ants can follow them and end up in your house.
Glabber ants have quick reproduction so regular pest control service will help keep these pests out and keep you happy and comfortable in your home.
If you need help with ants or any other pests, just send us an email or call us at 236-BUGS (2847) and we’ll get you a quote and a helpful explanation of our service.