Types of Ants

7 Most Common Types of Ants in the UK and How to Get Rid of Them

While common ants in the UK aren’t known to spread disease, they can still carry various germs into your kitchen, depending on their last meal location. Addressing an ant infestation with a professional pest control service in London is crucial to prevent contamination, particularly in food storage areas.

Tom’s Pest Control specialises in ant control London and can eliminate infestations of black ants and other exotic ant species in your home, business, or garden. Our pest control experts employ a range of techniques to ensure complete ant eradication. Contact our Pest Control London team today for a quote and put an end to your ant problem for good.

Ant Infestations in the Home and Garden

Ant infestations in homes and gardens can be quite distressing, especially when they invade in large numbers and reach your kitchen cupboards. They can also create a nuisance in outdoor areas. You can often spot them on lawns, flower beds, driveways and at the base of exterior walls. Ant nests in the garden can be particularly bothersome, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor spaces. Children, fascinated by these creepy crawlies, might stumble upon a nest and end up covered in ants. It can be unpleasant, especially for those who are squeamish about insects. During warmer months, swarms of flying ants can also be particularly bothersome as they appear in large numbers, adding to the frustration.

Common Ant Species in the UK

Identifying the exact species of ants is crucial when addressing a pest problem. Before proceeding with ant treatment, it’s essential to confirm that ants are indeed the issue, not another type of insect infestation. Treatment methods can vary significantly depending on the specific ant species infesting your property.

Knowing the signs of an ant problem is as important as correctly identifying the ants themselves. Consulting a trained pest control professional can be helpful for accurate identification and effective control strategies. This will save time, money, and unnecessary stress. In the UK, several ant species are commonly found, each with distinct characteristics and behaviors. Understanding the type of ant species that has invaded your home is crucial before beginning treatment.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants generally thrive in forested environments, where they burrow into dead, damp wood. These ants can become a significant issue for homes with extensive interior woodwork. They create nests by tunnelling through the wood and often require professional pest control to eliminate them effectively. Carpenter ants primarily feed on insects outdoors. However, they are drawn to sugary foods when they nest indoors, making them a nuisance in kitchens and pantries.

Black Garden Ants

Black Garden Ant London

You are likely to encounter black ants in your home. They are common in residential areas and can be quite disruptive and unhygienic. Black ants are attracted to exposed food and will quickly invade kitchen counters if food is left out.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh Ants control london

Small and yellow-brown, Pharaoh ants are notorious for infesting heated buildings. They are challenging to control because of their large colony sizes and multiple queens.

Ghost Ant

Ghost Ant Control

Nearly invisible, with their dark heads being the only noticeable feature. Like other ants, they can enter through tiny cracks in walls or windows. Ghost ants are particularly attracted to foods high in refined sugar. To avoid attracting them, store cereal, syrups, and sugar securely. Otherwise, you might find your kitchen haunted by these elusive pests.

Fire Ant

Biting red ants, commonly called fire ants, thrive in bright, moist, and sunlit areas of your garden. The venomous stingers at the ends of their bodies cause a sharp burning sensation when they sting, which is why they are nicknamed “fire ants.” Research shows that their biology is unusual, and they can develop and exhibit behaviours you wouldn’t normally expect. Which is why professional treatment is vital.

Argentine Ants

Argentine Ants Control London

Originally from South America, Argentine ants have become widespread global pests, notorious for infesting homes. Initially attracted by food and water, they are likely to stay if your house has damp, warm areas. Common nesting spots include near plant pots, under stones, inside rotting trees, or within water pipes.

Flying Ants

Flying Ants Control London

During their nuptial flight season, flying ants can invade London homes and businesses in large numbers, causing significant distress and discomfort. Although not directly harmful, their large swarms can disrupt outdoor activities and lead to infestations if they nest nearby.

Professional Ant Control Services

Professional ant control services are essential for effectively managing and eliminating ant infestations in homes and businesses. These services employ experienced technicians who use advanced techniques and safe, targeted to address ant problems at their source. 

By conducting thorough inspections, identifying the specific ant species, and implementing customised solutions, professional pest control ensures long-term prevention and protection. Additionally, these experts provide valuable advice on maintaining a pest-free environment, helping to safeguard properties from future infestations. Investing in professional ant control services not only resolve current issues but also offers peace of mind by creating a healthier and more comfortable living or working space.

Ant Treatment for London Homes

Professional ant treatment for homes is a precise solution designed to eradicate ant infestations and prevent future occurrences. Our expert technicians begin with a detailed inspection to identify the type of ants and locate their nests. They use safe and effective treatments to target the root of the infestation. These treatments often include baiting, spraying, and sealing entry points to ensure ants cannot return. In addition to immediate eradication, professional ant treatments provide homeowners with guidance on maintaining a pest-free environment by addressing potential attractants and entryways. This thorough approach ensures a lasting resolution. It gives you peace of mind and a comfortable, ant-free living space.

Get the Best Ant Control in London By Tom’s Pest Control

Tom’s Pest Control London provides practical solutions to meet your specific pest control needs. We do an internal and external spray as well as spot treatments and offer three months warranty for our ant treatment services after the second visit. Contact us at 0208 016 3791 for a consultation and get a free quote. We’re here to answer your questions, schedule inspections, and offer expert guidance on pest control.

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