Preventative Pest Control: Ants

Many people think of ants as a Summer pest, however, ants actually start resurfacing in March, and with over 50 species of ants in the UK, they can cause a real problem for businesses. This is why it’s so important to consider ant pest control and even preventative pest control for ants. This guide will help show you how to carry out preventative ant control.

Common ant species in the UK

Species of Ant

Appearance

Where They’re Found

Black Garden Ant

Black in colour. Queens can be 15mm in length and workers are 3-5mm

Moist environments, in the home

Red Ant

Reddish-brown in colour.

Hiding beneath stones, logs, and soil

Pharaoh Ant

Yellow or light brown in colour. Small in size.

Inaccessible areas of heated buildings, commonly found in homes and businesses.

Carpenter Ant

Deep brown in colour.

Trees, damp wood, garden furniture

Whilst ants are most active in the Summer, they actually start resurfacing from hibernation in March. 

Signs of Ant Infestation

There are a few surefire ways to tell if you have an ant infestation in your home or business. Spotting ants is the main giveaway, and can mean that a colony has been set up in your building. There may also be signs of a nest, which looks like a small pile of dirt or soil, however, because some ants nest inside walls and under floors, they can be harder to spot.

Other signs of an ant infestation include:

  • Ant trails
  • Wood shavings
  • Damp wood

How to get rid of Ants in the House

Preventing ants from migrating indoors can be achieved by eliminating colony workers and queens. Keeping your home clean is the most effective method of pest control. Be sure to dispose of any human and/or pet food wastage and store consumables in highly sealable containers. Vacuum and mop floors regularly to remove any pheromone scent trails.

 Identify and seal any access points, including any cracks and exposed crevices surrounding doors and windows. For additional protection, diffuse ant spray around these areas. Please note, however, that this is only a temporary solution as ants are known to recover and recolonise.

How to get rid of Ants Outside

The most efficient way to terminate ants and their antics is to call in a professional. Our certified technicians are skilled in distinguishing ant species and selecting the right tools to eliminate them. 

At VermEX, our ant control process involved identifying the infestation’s location. Using our extensive knowledge and expertise, we will then select the best course of action. After some time, we will go on to assess and re-treat if necessary.

There are some things you can do to prevent an ant invasion of your building. The following methods of preventative pest control can help you get ahead of the curve, and can help you prevent ant infestations for years to come.

Find and seal entrances 

Cracks, foundation gaps, holes, cracks in the windows and the space under doors are all perfect entry points for ants. Because of how tiny ants are, they can use the smallest cracks and crevices to gain access. If you follow the trail of ants in your home to find the entry point, you can seal the entrance with caulk.

Use talcum powder  

Talc is a very effective barrier to prevent ants from coming into your home.

Kill the scout ant  

Before the whole ant army descends on your home, the colony send out one scout to look for a food source. That one solitary ant walking around will be the scout. If that scout doesn’t make it back to the nest, it won’t be able to lead the others to your home.

Store food properly 

Having concrete food storage techniques is vital for ant prevention. Ants are very attracted to food, so storing all food properly means they have nothing to attract them into your home.

Use home remedies

A small ant problem can be easily treated with home remedies. Lemon is a popular treatment because it is generally safe for children and pets. It is a great deterrent for ants. You can also use vinegar and water to spray around your home.

 

Fast and Effective Ant Pest Control

Pest control problems and ant infestations can be disruptive and inconvenient for businesses. Throughout the North of England, we provide effective and cost-effective commercial pest control services to a wide range of commercial, industrial, and agricultural businesses. 

Over the last 30 years, VermEx has dealt with a wide range of pests with tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. You can be confident that our professional pest control solutions will provide you with peace of mind regardless of what your pest management problem may be. Contact our pest control experts if you have a pest problem on your commercial property.

Find Out More About Fast & Effective Commercial Pest Control

Ant Pest Control from VermEx

VermEx is a family-run pest control company with over 30 years of experience in providing a professional pest control service to commercial clients across the North of England, including Manchester, York & Leeds. We pride ourselves on our ability to quickly and effectively react to our customer’s needs and provide an unparalleled level of service that is individually tailored to their needs.

If your home, restaurant, hotel, warehouse, or other business premises has an ant infestation, get in touch with us today and we can arrange a free quote.

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