Knowledge and Perceptions of Pest Ants in a Tropical Context

Ants are typical household and agricultural pests in tropical regions, yet little is known about how the public perceives and manages them in Malaysia. This study investigated the public’s perception and knowledge of pest ant ecology and common management approaches. Qualitative methods using interviews were conducted with local stakeholders across sites in Peninsular and Borneo, Malaysia, to capture respondents’ experiences with ants, recognition of pest species, ecological knowledge, and preferred control methods. Interviewed communities viewed ants as ‘context-dependent nuisances’, with household ants considered pests and requiring control. Ants found outdoors were tolerated unless perceived as ‘venomous’. Although respondents were unable to identify ant species, their understanding of ant ecology and behaviour was relatively high. Several species also had consistent local names, and surveyed communities demonstrated awareness of ants' temporal activity patterns. The term ‘fire ants’ refers to multiple stinging/biting ant species. This highlighted the need for caution when recommending control strategies. Most respondents did not seek professional pest control; instead, they relied on home-based remedies or preventive practices. This integrated approach, using interviews and ant species identification, suggests the need for cost-effective, location-specific toxic baits and for improved public guidance on species-appropriate management approaches.