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Ants are almost impossible to eradicate from gardens but if you have a problem with them entering your building Northants Pest Control can help. Depending on the type of ant and the location we can either apply a suitable insecticide as spray or powder or use an insecticidal “gel” bait to control them.

Ant infestations

There are thought to be about 12,000 species of ant across the globe, although entomologists believe there could be many more types yet to be discovered. Fortunately, in the UK there are only 4 species that we regularly deal with, none of which bite or sting to a degree that they can poison or hurt humans.

  • Ghost ants – as you can imagine from the name, these ants are difficult to see and can be difficult to get rid of. They are virtually transparent and prefer the warmth of a building. They are ants that need to be treated by a pest control technician, as they can hide in every nook and cranny. Thankfully, infestations of ghost ants are rare.
  • Pharaoh’s ants – finding their way from the tropics on cargo ships etc., they are similar to ghost ants in their habits. They seek heat and thus can be found in all kinds of buildings especially where there is protein rich food. As a result, catering kitchens, canteens, food preparation areas etc. are all susceptible to infestation by this tropical ant. Conventional treatments can disperse the ants and make the problem worse by creating several new nests. It is advisable to get these treated professionally with treatments that are unavailable to the general public.
  • Black garden ants – there are the most common ant in the UK. Famed for their industrious nature, they can carry weight triple their own, with their population peaking in the mid-summer month of July. They pose absolutely no risk to humans or pets, but their numbers can seem alarming. The ants we see have been sent from the colony by the queen ant, with instructions to find and return with food – in this case, the sweeter the better! They tell other ants where the food is by laying a trail of a hormone known as pheromone. These ants also fly… but only for a few days in mating season, usually sometime in July or August.
  • Red ants – these are garden dwelling ants, preferring rich soils in which to make their nests. Just as industrious as their black ant cousins, they will only really venture away from their natural habitat if their food supply is in short supply. They can sting, but this only leaves a nasty, red itchy spot but still, if you have these ants in your home (or too close to your home), then getting rid of them is better for your peace of mind.

Are you plagued by ants? Despite treating them yourself, do you seem to see more and more of them? Waste no more time or money – call Northants Pest Control!