Ants
Black Ants
The most common ant species that invade UK households is the black ant, also known as the garden ant. These ants are actually very dark brown, usually nest in soil and are often be found living under paving stones and concrete. These ants can become a real nuisance pest because during foraging when the workers enter domestic, commercial and industrial premises – particularly food preparation areas – in search of food.
The worker ants, which are likely to enter properties when searching for food, are 3 – 5mm in length.
Ants are highly organised social insects, with each nest being centred around one reproductive female; the queen and her sterile daughters; the workers. It is only the foraging workers that invade buildings in search of food, which they take back to their nest to feed the larvae and queen.
Pharaoh Ants
This tropical species of ant is small; the worker is just 2mm long and the larger queen is usually between 3 and 4mm long. They are pale yellow in colour with darker red and black markings on their abdomens. They can also be recognised by their distinctive ‘double waist’.
Their appearance is similar to that of thief ants which means that the two species are often confused. The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at the antennae. The pharaoh ant has a three-segmented antennal club, whereas the thief ant’s is two-segmented.
The pharaoh ant is becoming increasingly common in large structures with central heating such as hospitals and high-rise blocks of flats, where they can be a threat to public health. They are also a significant nuisance in food preparation areas because of their attraction to sweet foods.
FAQs
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Can pest control get rid of ants?
Yes, there are different ways to control ants, a professional pest control contractor can offer advice for most ant issues.
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How much is pest control for ants?
It varies depending on how severe the issue is. Contact a professional pest control company for advice.
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How do I get rid of ants permanently?
Some types of ant are easy to eradicate but others take more time. In most cases improvements in housekeeping and hygiene help reduce the potential of an ant issue.
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Should I get an exterminator for ants?
This isnt always necessary but if the issue is of concern to you, call a professional pest control company for advice.
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What is the difference between black ants and carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are larger, a slightly different colour to the black ant and has a distinctive heart shaped head.
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