We do not offer pest control services for ants but can offer some guidance on how to deal with them in your home.
While most ants found in the UK are harmless, their presence indoors, particularly in kitchens, can be frustrating. The most common species is the black garden ant, although other species such as red ants can occasionally be found indoors.
Ants are social insects that live in large colonies, typically located:
- in soil,
- under paving slabs, or
- within building structures.
They are highly organised and are driven by their constant search for food, often leading them indoors through cracks and gaps.
Identifying different ants
- Black garden ants
Small (3 to 5mm), shiny black in colour and typically seen in long foraging trails through gardens or along indoor edges, such as kitchen tops. - Pharaoh ants
Smaller (2mm), yellow-brown and often found indoors in heated buildings. - European fire ants
Larger and reddish in colour, some will bite or sting when disturbed.
Winged ants (often called flying ants) usually appear in summer during the 'nuptial flight', when new queens and males leave existing nests to establish new nests. This can result in sudden large swarms that can make their way indoors if given the chance.
Signs of an infestation
- Trails of ants, particularly leading to or from sources of food.
- Ants emerging from cracks in walls, paving, or near skirting boards.
- Small mounds of soil or sand near nest entrances, especially on patios or driveways.
- Damage to wood furniture or skirting boards, with unexplained sawdust in the area.
- Winged ants appearing suddenly inside your home.
What attracts ants?
Ants will enter homes in search of food and water. They are attracted to:
- Food residue
Spilled sugary drinks, fruit, crumbs and jams. - Unsealed food
Cereal boxes, biscuit tins and pet food containers that are left open. - Grease and fat
Residual oil or grease in and around kitchen appliances. - Waste and compost
Overflowing bins, unclean recycling containers or exposed food scraps in compost bins. - Water sources
Leaking pipes, standing water and damp areas under sinks or in bathrooms.
Dealing with ants
- Identify nest entrance
Observe ant trails to track them back to their source. Entry points may be tiny, such as cracks around baseboards or wall sockets. - Use bait stations
Worker ants will carry the bait back to the nest, which helps eliminate it at the source. Place bait near trails but out of reach of children and pets. - Natural deterrents
Ants dislike certain strong scents. Wipe surfaces with white vinegar, lemon juice or essential oils such as peppermint or tea tree to disrupt scent trails. - Insecticide
Ant specific sprays can kill on contact. However, these only deal with visible ants and not the entire nest. - Private pest control
For large infestations or persistent problems, a professional pest control technician may be needed that has access to more effective treatments.
