Ants are social creatures living in huge colonies consisting of workers, soldiers, drones and queens. The most common UK Ant is the Black Ant which usually nests in gardens or wall cavities, becoming a pest when entering the property searching for food. During the summer, swarms of winged female queens and males can be seen usually only for 3-4 days. They mate in mid-air, with the male then dying and the female setting up a new nest. Ants, as well as being unpleasant house guests, can also damage food used for human consumption.
As a rule here in the UK, our climate is not suitable for many species of ants as they prefer warmer climates and temperatures. Garden and Black Ants can be a nuisance if they are left to enter your property or business, although they aren’t thought to carry diseases. Ants are always on the hunt for food, so the main concern for households is avoiding them entering your cupboards and food stores.
Have you discovered small piles of earth at the base of exterior walls or around holes in the soil? This can indicate their origin.
Live Ants – large numbers of ants congregating around an entrance or wall near your property is a sure sign you have a problem. Finding ants where you prepare food, such as kitchens or business premises, then swift action is required.
Ant Pathways – Ants use a pheromone trail to a food source. This chemical attracts other ants to find food. Discovering one near your home or premises are another sign.
Ants Nest – a small pile of dirt in a garden may indicate a nest. However, Ants also like quiet, dark places such as walls which are more difficult to spot.