ANTS

Common Forms:
Black Ant (lasius niger)
Red Ant (myrmica rubia)

Importance:
Generally Considered a nuisance pest rather than a serious health risk. Ants nests are usually located in the garden although they can also build them in foundations and sometimes within buildings. Ants seen within buildings are usually workers and are foraging for food (they are attracted to sweet substances). During the mating season (late summer) large swarms of 'flying ants' will leave the nest.

Control:
Residual insecticide treatments are usually effective providing access to the nest is available. If the nest is unaccessable, insecticidal gel baits may be used.

Pharoahs Ants (monomorium pharaonis)

Pharoahs ants are yellow/brown and can be identified by the 'twin bulges' on its waist section.

Considered to be a far more serious pest than the other species of ant, it carries disease organisms and is also notoriously difficult to control. Pharoahs ants like warm temperatures and are often found in central heating systems, airing cupboards etc..

Pharoahs ant colonies have multiple queens and can build 'satellite' nests in different parts of the building.

Control:
Treatment with residual insecticide is usually ineffective and in some cases can actually make the problem worse. The only effective means of controlling Pharoahs ants is with specialist bait stations.