A new species of ants has invaded Nidangala, in Matara, causing immense problems for residents of the area.

The ants, which are about three millimetre long build their nests in trees and often invade households and gardens.

Residents complain that this species of ants, which is fast spreading, causes rashes to break out on the skin of those they bite.

They also say that they have to make a big effort to keep their clothes away from these ants lest they attack and destroy them.

The Deputy Director of Agriculture for the Matara District M. W. A. De Silva said his department had begun investigations into the origin of this species and ways and means to exterminate it.