Pest identifier: Ants

There are 41 different species of ant living in the UK, however it is the garden or black ant (Lasius Niger) that causes the most common problems in our homes.

The black ant is 3.5mm to 5mm long and dark brown to black in colour. They usually nest outdoors in lawns, flowerbeds, under paving stones and in walls. The black ant is not a health hazard, but can cause a nuisance. They enter homes in search of sweet foods, getting in through small gaps in masonry, doors and windows, and when they do find their way into our homes, they do so in large numbers. Ants are not just pests. They also feed off insects and act as scavengers in the garden.

Lifecycle

The queen ant lays eggs in late spring, which hatch into larvae after 3-4 weeks. The queen rears the larvae for three weeks after which they pupate. From the pupae emerge the first brood of worker ants, which forage for food and tend subsequent broods. Winged male and female ants emerge between July and August and mating takes place on the wing during this time, after whichthe males die. The mated females shed their wings and dig a cell in the soil where they stay until the following spring.

To be sure that ants are removed effectively, a council treatment is always advised.

Treatments and advice

Using only the best products, our responsive and discrete service can keep your home or business pest free. You can be assured that we are able to deliver a truly professional, safe and effective service. We have the local knowledge and expertise in both residential and commercial sectors to solve your problem fast and effectively. Priced competitively against other pest control companies, you can trust us to tailor our services to your exact needs and keep prices low.

• Please note: we are improving access to our online services for pest control customers. During this time, our online booking system will not be available, so please call 01695 577177 to book and pay over the telephone during office hours.