Ants are one of the most common insects to invade homes throughout the UK, especially in Summer months.

The odd ant isn’t a cause for concern however large ant infestations can be a big nuisance to homeowners so knowing how to get rid of them effectively is important.

What causes ants to enter our home?

Ants spend their winters hibernating after having eaten large amounts of food and living off their stored fat.

However, when Spring arrives they are hungry and hunt for food sources, often our homes.

Our homes provide the perfect food sources for hungry ants with a surplus of sugary and greasy foods as well as water and shelter (kitchens, bathrooms, pantries etc).

Once they find a suitable location they will look to establish a colony, this is when ant infestations can really develop into a problem.

Types of ants which invade UK homes

There are five types of commonly found ants that invade throughout the UK.

• The Garden Ant – These are primarily found in gardens. They prefer to build nests in soil or beneath paving stones. These ants have a sweet tooth but enjoy high protein food such as meat and pet food.
• Roger’s Ant – These small reddish-brown ants do not follow or leave trails for others because they hunt their pray. They build nests in damp areas e.g. around drains or behind cracked kitchen tiles.
• Pharaoh Ant – The most common type of ant found in the home. They build nests indoors and will swarm for any source of food with high protein e.g. meat, fat, dead insects and blood. Each colony supports multiple queens which means they populate very quickly.
• Ghost Ants – These ants are tiny and almost translucent. They tend to build nests in moist areas such as behind bathroom cabinets and under kitchen sinks.
• Pavement Ants – These little dark ants are common in Summer and if they nest indoors they swarm all year long. These ants eat whatever they can find.

 

How to get rid of ants

Getting rid of visible ants around your home is fairly easy but to truly get rid of an ant infestation you’ll need to eliminate the colony.

A combination of ant control products may be required.

Our ant killer sprays are highly effective for eliminating visible ants around your home. Each spray leaves behind a fine film of insecticide for future protection. Once ants cross the barrier and carry the insecticide with them, they are eliminated soon after.

Our ant killer powders are perfect for sprinkling into hard to access areas such as floorboards, behind skirtings and cracks and crevices where ants and nests may be hiding.

Our ant bait stations are one of the best ways to eliminate ants as they target the colony and queen ant directly. Two or more ant bait stations should be placed in areas ants are seen foraging for food. Once ants discover the station and take bait back to the colony the whole colony will feed on the poison and be eliminated. 

Once the ant infestation has been eliminated with make sure to follow the steps on preventing ants for future protection.

Signs of an ant infestation

Being able to identify signs of an ant infestation can help eliminate a small problem before it becomes a bigger problem. Signs include;

Ant trails

Spotting visible ant trails is one of the biggest indicators of an ant infestation.

Once ants discover a food source they will often move along a specific path from their nest to the source.

This behaviour can be very noticeable especially when they move in large numbers.

Kitchen / pantry sightings

Since ants are particularly attracted to sweet, sugary food sources the kitchen or pantry is a common place to see ants.

Regularly noticing ants in these spaces is cause for a concern that you may have a bigger problem.

Window / door sightings

If you have an ant infestation you are likely to see ants around windows and doors.

These are common entry points and can indicate that an ant nest is nearby. You may even notice ant activity in cracks and crevices around your home.

Finding nests / moulds

If you notice small piles or soils or dirt outside your home this may be an ant nest or mould.

These are where ants have built a colony and will likely be the cause of ants entering your home.

Getting rid of the colony is crucial to removing an ant infestation completely.

 

How to prevent an ant infestation

Knowing how to prevent an ant infestation will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run. Follow these tips for effective prevention.

Seal entry points

Ants can gain access to your home through the smallest of gaps, cracks and crevices around windows, doors and foundations.

Ensuring any obvious entry points are sealed or blocked will reduce the chances of ants entering your home.

Kitchen hygiene

Ensure kitchens, pantries and other areas where food is eaten or prepared are kept clean and tidy. Store food correctly, regularly wipe down greasy or sticky surfaces and periodically empty rubbish bins.

Eliminate water sources

Ants need sources of water to survive. Make sure there are no obvious leaks or damp areas of your home which may be attracting ants into your home.

Common areas to check include kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

Keep gardens tidy

Keeping the outside of your home tidy is just as important as keeping the inside tidy.

Overgrown gardens can make it easier for ants' habitat to become part of your home, encouraging entry.

Make sure to trim and cut back vegetation around your home regularly.

Are ants dangerous?

No, ants are not directly dangerous to humans. However, in the rare cases that they bite or sting they may cause an allergic reaction or infection.

How do I find an ant nest?

Finding an ants nest can be tricky as they are often built in sheltered spots out of reach. However, you can often find the nest by tracing back ant trails to their source.

Can I use home products to get rid of ants?

Yes, natural products such as vinegar, boiling water and peppermint can be effective at getting rid of ants initially however these products don’t contain insecticides which are designed to eliminate the colony and provide future protection.