Ant Control

Dealing with your ant problem.

Ants in the house or garden can be very annoying and destructive. There are approximately 47 species currently recorded in the UK. There has been an alarming increase in ant species coming into the country due to imports of fruits and vegetables. Some species can be particularly difficult to control and destroy.

It is vital to identify the species and deploy the correct strategy to not only destroy the local ant infestation of say the kitchen, but it is important the nest is completely destroyed as most species have multiple nests and work in collaboration with one another.

Using a professional pest control company is essential to gaining complete ant control and destruction as many of the formulations available over the counter are very ineffective and only deal with localised colonies.

Common Species

Garden Ant or Black Ant are 3-4mm long of a brown/black colour with elbowed antennae and biting mouthparts. Garden Ants nest outdoors in lawns, flower beds, beneath paving flags and at the base of walls. Premises are usually invaded by worker ants foraging for food, especially sweet foods. During the summer, winged females (Queens) and males leave the nest on one or two warm afternoons and take flight. During this flight the ants mate. The formation of a new colony starts with a mated winged female digging into the earth to overwinter and start a new colony in the spring.

The ghost ant is sometimes called the black-headed ant. It is a small pale coloured with almost translucent abdomen and legs. The Ghost Ant is spreading quickly, particularly in large housing developments. The main colony is divided into sub-colonies which spread very quickly once established, making them difficult to control.

The Pharaohs Ant is tropical in origin but is taking a real foothold in the UK, especially in hospitals, prisons and blocks of flats etc. The ant has a characteristic double segmented waist and a darkened tip to the abdomen. A major factor in its success is that he queen may be replaced by other queens resulting in colonies which are able to split; hence the control has to be at nest level not colony or individual level.

Ant Treatments

Treatments depend on the Ant Species. Dusts and liquid insecticides can be extremely effective in removing specific problems localised problems and stopping foraging by worker ants, however there are some extremely effective long term acting gels available which attack the nests as opposed to the short term killing of localised colonies. It is best to use both types of media in all cases.

Ant problems should be dealt with by a Professional Pest Controller like Rapid Pest Control Services, so call now on Newbury 01635 247192 for eradication of your ant problem.

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