Ants

At Protectahome we get called to deal with numerous ant infestations, by far the majority relate to Garden Ant infestations. Pharaoh Ant infestations are far less common. It is essential that the species responsible for an infestation is correctly identified which is where our trained and experienced technicians can help, early identification can enable a targeted control program to be deployed.

Garden Ant

Description

Garden Ant workers are 3-4mm long of a brown/black colour with elbowed antennae and biting mouth parts. The Queen tends to be much longer at about 10mm.

Biology

Garden Ants usually nest outdoors in lawns, flower beds, beneath paving and at the base of walls. Buildings are usually invaded by worker ants foraging for food, especially sweet foods and liquids. During summer, Garden Ant winged females (Queens) and males leave the nest on one or two warm afternoons and take flight. During this flight, which may last 2-3 hours, the Garden Ants mate. The formation of a new Garden Ant colony starts with a mated winged female digging into the earth to overwinter and start a new colony in the spring.

Protectahome - Garden Ant ©

Protectahome Control

For effective control of the Garden Ant where ever possible it is desirable to trace the trail of the worker ants back to the nest. If it is safe to do so, exposure of the nest and the application of an appropriate insecticidal powder can prove highly effective. In some circumstances, where the nest cannot be traced, combined treatments which may include insecticidal powders, sprays, gels and liquid feeding baits may be used. It is essential that insecticides are used correctly. Call Protectahome on 0845 601 1980 to arrange for one of our trained technicians to visit.

Pharaoh Ants

Description

Pharaoh Ant workers are about 2mm in length. They are light yellow to reddish brown in colour with a darker abdomen. Pharaoh Ants have a stinger and the narrow waist between the thorax and abdomen has two nodes or segments. Pharaoh Ants antennal segments end in a distinct club with three progressively longer segments

Biology

The Pharaoh Ant is tropical in origin and therefore requires a very warm environment. Infestations are usually restricted to permanently heated buildings such as hotels, hospitals, prisons, blocks of flats and commercial kitchens.

Pharaoh Ants breed continuously throughout the year in heated buildings and mating occurs in the nest. Pharaoh Ants are often found in areas near a source of moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Protectahome Control

Conventional treatments can prove ineffective and cause the Pharaoh Ants to scatter. It is therefore essential that professional advice and control is sought at an early opportunity. Protectahome offers a call-out service to treat ants and other pest problems. Our service is fast, effective and offers the highest level of safety for your family and pets.

For more information on Pest Control by Protectahome and associated services we provide, please see our Case Studies or to speak to our Pest Control Department please Contact Us on 0845 601 1980 or alternatively email us via pestcontrol@protectahome.co.uk