Ants are an increasingly important group of household pests in the human environment in
Malaysia. This was evident from the various household pest surveys that had been conducted onhomeowners in Penang, Malaysia. Twenty-five species were found in and around buildings and
structures. Most of these were tramp ants, such as Monomorium spp., P. longicornis, T.
melanocephalum, and Pheidole sp. Most tropical household ants prefer a liquid bait base over
gel and paste base. However, a liquid bait is susceptible to spillage and dessication. Despite a
liquid bait being the preferred base choice, all granular, paste, and gel baits tested showed efficacy
against field colonies of household ants. Most formulations showed >70% reduction in ant numbers
after 4 weeks post-baiting. It was also noted that the effect of sanitation on bait performance
in the premises baited can be reduced if a higher bait placement was done. More studies, especially
on foraging biology of important tropical household ants such as M. destructor, Pheidole
sp., T. melanocephalum, and P. longicornis, are warranted, so that a reliable pest management
program can be effectively constructed.