Ant Control

Ant Species in the UK

Over 40 different ant species in the UK are classified as pests, including Fire Ants, Pharaoh Ants, Carpenter Ants and Black Garden Ants. The ant’s life cycle does not change between different species, following a process of egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Instead, the ant species is a vital identification measure as it determines the necessary control solutions and impacts how we treat the colony. Most ants in the UK aren’t dangerous to humans, and a few ants might not seem like a major problem. However, ants use pheromones to communicate with each other, so a few ants in your home can quickly become a major issue.

Black Garden Ants

The Black Garden Ant, Lasius Niger, is the most common ant species in UK homes. These insects will nest under paving stones or between your brickwork and are most active between May and October.

Black ants can form nests in many areas, such as your garden, patio, conservatories, under your floorboards and behind your wallpaper. Typically, they like sand and soil; however, ants are adaptable and will make a nest in any safe location. Ant nests contain a tunnel-like system used to rest, store food, and keep their eggs safe.

Young queen ants will fly away during the late summer months to start new ant colonies. Therefore, it is common to find an abundance of flying ants during this time, which can be highly disruptive and problematic. In addition, female worker ants can live up to 15-30 years and measure just 5mm in size. As a result, it can be difficult to control an ant infestation with DIY solutions due to their small scale and innovative hiding capabilities.

Flying Ants

In the summer, fertile female and male black ants grow wings and become what are known as ‘flying ants’. As such, flying ants aren’t a unique species but a type of black ant.

While they’re the same species you see all year round, during the summer, when they grow wings, these ants can be a real nuisance.

Ant infestations can be incredibly irritating, particularly when flying ants are involved. Flying ants can access all areas of your property and can be incredibly irritating. Contact us for professional ant control from the pest control experts at Pest-Tech.

Ant Diseases and Contamination

Although ants cannot bite or injure humans, the risks associated with ants come from indirect contact with them. Ants will travel across a multitude of terrains, including drains and discarded rubbish, contaminating areas of your home as they navigate throughout. Therefore, if ants walk across your kitchen worktop or infiltrate your pantry, you risk catching diseases such as salmonella and E.coli. These diseases can make you very sick and cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps and a fever.

Unfortunately, children are more likely to catch one of these diseases as they typically play on the floor and walk barefoot throughout the home, so ant infestations can be a health risk for families. To limit this danger and minimise the health risks, proactive ant pest control is essential in maintaining a safe home environment. Call Pest-Tech to organise your free survey and quote by calling us at 01622 296055.

Signs of an Ant Infestation

Seeing one or two ants is not cause for concern; however, it may be the start of a new colony moving in. Here are some telltale signs that you have an ant problem and that you require our ant removal services:

Live Ants

This is an obvious sign, but if you have identified an abundance of insects around your home, we recommend having this checked out by a professional. Typically, ants will gravitate towards food and water sources. As a result, you may notice that your kitchen, pantry or utility are high-traffic areas for insects.

Ant Trails

Ants are intelligent insects and will leave a pheromone trail for other ants to follow. Therefore, identifying the ants travelling in a uniform line can indicate that a large ant nest and colony are close by.

Ant Nests

The entrance to an ant nest can look like a small mound of soil or dirt. Although these nests can be easily missed, you may spot them on your lawn, near an outside door or in your flower beds. If you locate a nest, it is essential not to disturb it. Angering the ants can kickstart survival behaviour, and they may rush out of the nest to attack. Although the average ant cannot seriously hurt you, they can bite, which can be uncomfortable.

Pest-Tech’s Ant Removal Services in Kent

In our extensive pest control experience, we have developed a range of treatments which are 100% effective with minimum disruption to your home and family. As part of our ant control treatment service, we will inspect your property and identify all entry points and nests on it. We will then use professional-grade insecticides to eradicate all living insects and remove the ant infestation completely.

So, if you have noticed ants in your home or business, call Pest-Tech today at 01622 206055 for expert guidance and friendly advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get rid of an ant infestation fast?

At-home DIY ant killer products are not 100% effective, and it can be difficult to locate all nests on your property. Therefore, the most efficient ant control treatment will be to call in a professional pest controller to get rid of ants for you. At Pest-Tech, we have access to professional insecticides and gel baits and understand the ant’s behaviour. As a result, our ant extermination methods are 100% effective and completed with just one visit.

How do ants get in the house?

Ants are tiny insects that can easily enter your home through a small crack in your brickwork, poorly sealed windows or doors, or cracks in your foundations. Unfortunately, this means you have a high chance of encountering an ant infestation. Therefore, our pest prevention service is top-rated among our clients to minimise the chances of an infestation and to keep your property safe.

Why do I get flying ants in my house?

Flying ants are prevalent during summer, usually between July and August, when they emerge from their nests. This phenomenon, known as Flying Ant Day, can disturb homeowners and business owners. Like other insects, these flying ants are attracted to food and can fly in through an open window or door. Therefore, to reduce your risk, try installing insect screens across your doors and windows to deter ants and other insects from entering your property.

What do ants eat?

Ants are attracted to human food sources. In particular, they enjoy carbohydrates and sweet treats such as honey, biscuit crumbs, fruits, plant sap and vegetable waste. Also, pet food bowls will attract ants and other pest species. While these are their favourite foods, ants are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, including leaves, fungus, fruits, vegetables and other insect eggs.

What will keep ants away from my property?

The most effective solution to deter ants is regular cleaning and proper food storage. This will cut off their food source and send the ants looking for another. Ants also have a strong sense of smell and dislike scents such as citronella, cinnamon, vinegar and mint, so you can use essential oils, scented candles or other products to help remove your pest problem if ants invade your home.