The Ant

Ant Key Features

• Black ant colonies can reach 15,000 workers in size, but 4,000-7000 is the average
• Ants will eat ripe fruits with thin skins, seeds, flower nectar, flies and other small insects
• Black ants will farm aphids (plant eating insects) for honeydew, increasing plant damage
• Ants can borrow through bricks and mortar in their exploratory routes

Ant Biology

Winged reproductive males and females engage in "mating flight" during July and August. The females go on to establish new colonies, as "Queens", whilst the males die off. A female only mates once in her lifetime, storing enough sperm to build her future colony. The mating flight prevents inbreeding by spreading the ants over a large area, increasing contact between neighbouring colonies.

The queen finds a suitable location for her new colony and starts producing eggs. The resulting "workers" are infertile females who take over the running of the colony. Once hatched, the larvae initially feed on unhatched eggs and then on regurgitated food given by the workers.

Ant Pest Control Methods

Before any ant pest controls and treatments are put in place, a careful inspection is necessary to establish where the ants are coming from. Gel Baits, an effective insect pest control treatment method for controlling black ants, are then placed on the entry points and foraging routes. Worker ants pick up a slow acting poison and carry it back to the nest and queen. Killing the queen prevents further workers from being born and the house ant infestation problem reoccurring.

In outdoor areas, if the ant nest can be located, then it can be flooded with a residual insecticide. Paved areas can also be treated with a light spray.

For a free assessment of  the most suitable ant pest control method for your home or business premises, fill in our enquiry form or call now on 01732 355 034.