Coastal Brown Ant Identification Melbourne
Identify coastal brown ants — pavement-disrupting soil nesters across Melbourne.
Coastal Brown Ant in Melbourne — Quick Answer
Coastal brown ants are a significant pest in Melbourne, known for displacing soil and creating unsightly sand mounds along paths, driveways, and garden edges. Workers measure 2–3 mm with a light brown body and slightly darker head. They nest in shallow soil beneath paving, beside retaining walls, and in garden beds. T47 Pest Control uses targeted nest treatment and perimeter barriers to control coastal brown ant populations across Melbourne properties.
How to Identify Coastal Brown Ant
Size
2–3 mm worker body length
Colour
Light brown body, slightly darker head
Behaviour
Creates sand/soil mounds near nests; multiple queens and interconnected colonies
Habitat
Under pavers, beside paths, in garden beds, beneath retaining walls, around pot plants
Look-Alikes & Confusion Notes
May be confused with Argentine ants due to similar size. Coastal brown ants are lighter in colour and create obvious sand mounds, while Argentine ants trail in defined lines and rarely displace soil visibly.
Risk & Urgency
Low to moderate. Coastal brown ants do not bite or sting but displace soil, undermine pavers, and invade homes for food. Their supercolony structure with multiple queens makes them harder to eradicate without professional treatment.
Where Found in Melbourne
Coastal brown ants are widespread in Melbourne's bayside and inner-city suburbs. They thrive in sandy soils and are particularly common along paved areas, driveways, and in properties with extensive hard landscaping.
What to Do Now
Brush away sand mounds and keep food residue out of outdoor areas. Avoid using broad-spectrum sprays which scatter the colony. T47 Pest Control applies targeted nest treatments and gel baits that workers carry back to the queens.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do coastal brown ants push up sand?
- Coastal brown ants excavate soil to expand their underground nests. The displaced sand is deposited near colony entrances, forming visible mounds along paths, pavers, and retaining walls. Heavy mounding can undermine pavement and create trip hazards.
- Can I get rid of coastal brown ants myself?
- Over-the-counter sprays often scatter the colony without eliminating the queens, causing the problem to spread. Professional treatment with targeted nest injections and transfer baits is the most effective approach.