Ant Control - Microbee Environmental London

19 Feb Ant Control

Posted at 14:20h in pests by Nick Lamport

Ants

(ORDER HYMENOPTERA)
Hymenoptera is a large order of insects, which includes ants, wasps and bees. The two most common UK species that present the most issues are the Common Black Ant (Lasius niger) and the Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis). It is essential to distinguish between the species as each requires a different method of ant control treatment.

Black Ant Control

Appearance: Shiny black in colour; 2-3mm in length.

Habitat: They are a temperate species living in soil or in association with dwellings. They form nests in gardens, under paving stones, in foundations or occasionally within buildings. Workers are very active and will forage on a wide variety of foods.

Importance: Foraging workers a nuisance but not normally a health risk. “Flying ants” emerge during the mating season.

Ant Control: Proof entry points where possible with sealants. Treatment involves two visits, spaced one month apart. Microbee can undertake residual sprays to kll or deter entry of ants. Slow acting poison in the form of gel can also be used either as an alternative or in conjunction with the spray.

Pharaoh Ant

Appearance: Pale straw-yellow in colour with a darker head and abdomen; up to 2mm in length.

Habitat: These are tropical species and are found in heated buildings within the UK. They are small, mobile and active at all times of the day. Pharaoh Ants form nests in cavities and heating ducts.

Issues: May Pharaoh Ants carry disease organisms, and there is a risk of the contamination of food and sterile materials, (they can penetrate packaging due to their small size). With the ability to travel through ducting and building structures means infestations can become very widespread.

Ant Control: Our technicians do not spray pesticides for this species of ant, as this can worsen the infestation. Our treatment involves two visits, spaced one month apart. Baits are placed with a slow-acting poison, which workers take back to the queen.