Ant Guide
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1. THE DANGERS: WHY WE CONTROL ANTS
TINY INSECTS CAUSING BIG PROBLEMS
Ants, though small, can present significant challenges when it comes to maintaining a healthy and safe environment.
One of the primary reasons for controlling ants is the potential health hazards they pose. These industrious insects are known to infiltrate food storage areas, contaminating our edibles with bacteria and pathogens. This not only jeopardises the quality of our food but can also lead to health issues for those consuming it.
Moreover, certain ant species are adept at nesting in and around structures, causing potential structural damage. Their colonies can compromise the integrity of buildings, especially when they establish nests in walls, foundations, or even wooden structures.
Did you know:
Ants are incredibly strong for their size and some species can carry items weighing 50 times their own bodyweight.
2. The impact
ANTS AROUND BUSINESSES
Ant infestations around businesses can pose unique challenges and concerns. These industrious insects can disrupt daily operations and create an unwelcome atmosphere for customers and employees.
Additionally, in sectors like the food industry, ants can contaminate stored goods, leading to potential health violations and financial losses.
For businesses, the presence of ants can also impact their reputation. Customers may be deterred by the sight of ants in retail spaces, restaurants, or offices, affecting the overall perception of cleanliness and professionalism.
If customers observe signs of an ant infestation on your premises, they may be hesitant to engage in business with you.
SIGNS ANTS ARE AROUND
Recognising the signs of an ant infestation is essential for early intervention. Here are key indicators that ants may be present:
Trails of Ants: The most obvious sign is the presence of visible ant trails, especially leading to a food source. These trails are often seen along walls, floors or countertops.
Frass or Debris: Ants leave behind tiny piles of excavated material, known as frass, near nest sites. This may include soil, wood particles or remnants of the materials they have damaged.
Nesting Sites: Look for ant nests in and around your property. These can be found in soil, mulch or even within cracks in walls. Identifying and eliminating these nests is crucial for effective control.
Audible Sounds: Some ant species may produce rustling or crackling sounds when disturbed. Pay attention to any unusual sounds, especially in areas where ants are suspected.
Visible Ant Entry Points: Check for cracks, gaps, or openings in walls, windows, or doors. Ants often use these entry points to access buildings in search of food and shelter.
Presence of Winged Ants: Winged ants, known as swarmers, indicate a mature colony. Their presence indoors suggests that a nest is established nearby.
Furniture or Wood Damage: Certain ant species, like carpenter ants, may cause damage to wooden structures. Look for sawdust-like material (frass) near damaged areas.
3. PEST FACTS
TYPES OF ANT IN THE UK
In the UK, several ant species are commonly encountered. Here are some of the most common and notable types:
Black Garden Ant (Lasius Niger) These are the most common ant in the UK and are often found in gardens, lawns, and around buildings. Black garden ants are small, typically black, and build nests in soil or under paving.
Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium Pharaonis) Pharaoh ants are indoor pests commonly found in heated buildings. They are small, light yellow to reddish brown, and often build nests in hidden places.
Wood Ant (Formica ssp.) Wood ants are larger ants that nest in woodland areas, particularly in rotting wood. They are known for their aggressive behaviour, expecially when defending their nests.
Yellow Meadow Ant (Lasius Flavus) These ants are pften found in grassy areas, meadows, and lawns. Yellow meadown ants are small and yellowish-brown and are known to build their nests in soil.
Ghost ant (Tapinoma Melanocephalum) Ghost ants are tropical ants but have been found in heated buildings in the UK. These ants are tiny, with a dark head and a pale or translucent abdomen.
Carpenter Antt (Camponotus ssp.) Carpenter ants are larger ants, and while they don’t eat wood like termites, they can damage wood by excavating nests in it. They are typically black or red, and some species have a reddish-brown colour.
DID YOU KNOW...
Certain ant species engage in agriculture by cultivating fungus. They collect plant material, chew it into a pulp, and then use it to cultivate fungus in their nests.
4. MANAGING ANTS
PREVENTING ANTS
Preventing ant infestations requires and combination of proactive measures and vigilant habits. Here are some effective strategies:
Maintain cleanliness: Regularly clean and sanitaise surfaces, especially in food preparation areas. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and promptly clean up spills to eliminate potential food sources.
Proper food storage: Store food in airtight containers to deny ants easy access. This includes pantry items, pet food, and even garbage. Keep food storage areas clean to reduce attractants.
Seal entry points: Inspect and seal entry points such as cracks, gaps, and openings in doors and windows. Ants can exploit even tiny openings, so thorough sealing is essential.
PROFESSIONAL ANT CONTROL
Contego, your trusted pest control partner, offers professional ant control services tailored to meet the unique needs of your home or business. With our extensive experience and commitment to excellence, we employ advanced pest management techniques to effectively identify, target, and eliminate ant infestations at their source.
Our highly trained technicians begin with a thorough inspection of your property, identifying ant entry points, nesting sites, and potential attractants. This meticulous assessment allows us to develop a customised ant control strategy, combining the most appropriate treatment methods with preventive measures. Contego utilises industry-leading products and environmentally responsible solutions to ensure the safety of your surroundings while delivering long-lasting results.
At Contego, we understand the importance of ongoing monitoring and follow-up to prevent future ant issues. Our comprehensive approach not only addresses existing infestations but also focuses on creating a pest-resistant environment, safeguarding your property against potential ant invasions. Choose Contego for reliable, professional ant control services that prioritise the well-being of your home or business.
Get The Comprehensive Ants Guide
Are you curious to learn more about this pest? Download our comprehensive pest guide to identify the signs, receive valuable advice on prevention, and discover additional information to help you effectively manage the issue.
