Garden Ants
Council does not provide a pest treatment service.
A list of pest control companies can be found on the British Pest Control Associations website or the National Pest Technicians Association website.
Garden Ants
Are garden ants a health hazard?
Garden/Black ants are not regarded as a ‘significant risk to public health’, however they can be a nuisance when found in the home.
Where can they be found?
Garden ants are found throughout Britain and usually nest in gardens and areas around buildings.
They often enter homes in search of food.
Are ants a problem?
Garden ants can find the smallest of cracks in buildings, and if they locate a source of food within the building they communicate this to other ants and then lead them into the building to feed.
During the summer, flying ants may be seen emerging from the nest in large numbers.
This event normally lasts for only a few days.
How to control them
Remove the food sources, i.e. ensure that sugary foods are kept in sealed containers and that all food and drink spillages are cleared up immediately.
Some insecticides are applied directly to the ant nest.
If the nest can be located (usually on the outside of the building) it may be destroyed by pouring a kettle of boiling water over it.
This is advised for problems on a ground floor outside area only.
If the nest cannot be found, an insecticide may be used along the cracks and crevices where the ants appear (e.g. skirting boards) and this may provide a ‘barrier’ against them.
Obvious holes in the exterior of the building should also be sealed using a commercially available sealant.
Insecticides
When purchasing insecticides, you should read the label carefully to ensure that it will treat this pest.
A number of different types of insecticide are available for controlling ant problems.
These products can usually be bought from a local hardware store, chemist and some supermarkets.
Safety
Care should be taken when using boiling water and insecticides.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Insecticides should not be placed where children or animals come into contact with them.
Wash hands after handling pesticides.
Seek professional advice from the Council’s Environmental Health Service if you require any assistance.
Warning: Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.