Ant Control Services
Herefordshire & Worcestershire
Dealing with an ants nest is never easy, find out more about how to control ants in the house and outdoors. Contact us for tailored ant control solutions, we are your local Pest Control Company in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Our service starts by identifying the ant species and finding the source, before deciding on the most appropriate course of ant treatment.
Ant Control Services - Dealing with Ants
Of all the pests out there, few come in as many varieties as the humble ant.
But, if there’s one thing that they call have in common, it’s that ant colonies can be extremely difficult to get rid of.
​
And, when some ant infestations can even pose risks to the structure or those living inside of it, such as is the case with carpenter ants, moisture ants, and fire ants, getting rid of the infestation and implementing a quality ant control strategy as quickly as possible is crucial.
Ant infestations pose hidden risks
Unlike other pests like cockroaches and rats, ants don’t carry transmittable diseases so that’s one thing that you don’t have to worry about.
But, don’t let that convince you that these insects aren’t dangerous or potentially risky for your business.
​
For starters, if you work in the food industry, a simple ant infestation will not only wind up costing you thousands of pounds in lost food products, it can also cause you to loose customers.
This same risk also applies to those in the hospitality field, the healthcare field, and the pharmaceutical field.
​
Then, there are those ant species that do damage behind the scenes, like the carpenter ant and the moisture ant.
These ants like to burrow into wood and should the colony become large enough, its activity could result in a wall or roof being weakened to the point of collapse.
The Hidden Dangers of an Ant Infestation
PGM Pest Control Hereford uses a variety of effective methods in order to eradicate the ant colony, including ultraviolet insect light traps (ILTs), bioremediation, drain cleaning and more.
How our Ant Removal Service Works
Any time PGM & SON Pest Management is brought in for an ant infestation case, we conduct a four-stage treatment process, which involves:
1.
Inspection: Our award winning team will first conduct a thorough inspection of the facility and identification of the ant infestation.
2.
Assessment: Diagnosis of the factors that are causing and contributing to the ant problem.
3.
Planning: Consultation with you to determine the most effective approach to an ant-free environment.
4.
Treatment: Treating the existing infestation and preventing future ant infestations using the right combination of insect management methods for your business and facility.
5.
Prevention: Finally, we will provide you with tips and advice on how to prevent future wasp nests from forming on your property, such as removing potential nesting sites and sealing entry points.
We also implement tactics to help protect against future infestations, including proper sanitation and exclusion practices such as screening/sealing potential insect entry points.
Ants
The common black ant, garden ant (Lasius Niger).
The Habitat of Ants
They are a temperate species living in soil or in association with dwellings, for example:
-
Residential properties
-
Hotels
-
Restaurants
-
Farms and farmhouses
-
Bed and breakfasts
-
Schools
-
Commercial properties
Their nests will be found in gardens, under paving stones, foundations of almost any building and occasionally within buildings.
​
There’s one queen per nest. The worker ants are very active, foraging on a wide range of foods. Nests survive many seasons. Flying ants start new nests each year.
THE BREEDING CYCLE OF ANTS
-
The life cycle is egg – larvae – pupa – adult
-
Eggs are laid by the queen
-
Larvae are legless grubs (fully grown in 2-3 weeks)
-
Pupa are (incorrectly) known as ant eggs
-
They develop in 2 weeks and are guarded by the workers
-
When adults the workers are dark brown / black in colour and around 3-5 mm long
-
The queen is winged at the first 12mm
-
The life span is several years
More information about Ants
Foraging worker ants can be a nuisance within commercial or residential buildings but are very rarely a health risk. They protect aphids that damage plants in the garden. Flying ants sometimes emerge in lage numbers near or inside property.
​
The other two main species of ant that may be found in the UK are Pharaoh’s Ant and the Ghost Ant. Both of the species are less common but can carry disease organisms. It is important to identify which ant species are present before you treat, remove or control your ant problem as the treatment will vary depending on the species of ant.
Pest Trumps - The Ant 101
Pest Trumps" at PGM & SON Pest Control Services with The Ant. Each file is available for free download, and you may use them at work to help identify pests for the protection of your workers and customers. The PGM "Pest Control Trump" set of information cards is created to assist with pest-related issues in the UK.
-
Usually only necessary when ants become an issue within a building
-
Proofing work, such as sealing entry points
-
Sprays and aerosols can be used and will deter entry points
-
Removal of food sources
-
Bendiocarb is very effective (sodium tetraborate also) but must be used by a trained professional
Ant Blog Posts
We love to share our knowledge with our customers, click on the image to read about each Ant related blog post.
Got Ants? We've Got it Covered!
Ants can be really annoying however, they aren’t usually regarded as disease carriers so most people are advised to put up with them if they’re found in the garden.
Pest Trumps
The Ant 101
This week we are excited to carry on with our series of "Pest Trumps" at PGM & SON Pest Control Services with The Ant 101.
Got a problem with Flying Ants?
This week we’re talking about ants. You may have been seeing a lot of so called “Flying Ants” already despite it only being the start of Summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Ants
What are the most common Ants found in homes and offices in the UK?
The most common types of ants found in homes and offices are carpenter ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, and Pharaoh ants.
How do ants enter my property and what are their common sources of food?
Ants can enter your property through small cracks and crevices and through open doors and windows. They are attracted to sources of food and water, including sugary substances, grease, and other organic materials.
How can I tell if I have an ant infestation and how extensive is it?
Signs of an ant infestation include the presence of ant trails, ant nests, and large numbers of ants. To determine the extent of the infestation, a professional inspection may be necessary.
What are the most effective methods for ant removal and control?
The most effective methods for ant removal and control include a combination of baiting, dusting, and liquid treatments. The specific methods used will depend on the species of ant and the extent of the infestation.
Is it safe to use over-the-counter ant sprays and baits in my home or office?
Over-the-counter ant sprays and baits may be effective for small ant infestations, but they can also pose a risk to humans and pets if not used properly. It is always advisable to consult with a professional pest control company for safe and effective ant removal solutions.
Can ant infestations cause any damage to my property?
Depending on the species of ant, infestations can cause damage to wood structures, electrical wiring, and other materials in your home or office. Annual maintenance programme is available with Commercial Pest Control Services.
Are professional ant removal services necessary or can I handle the problem myself?
While it is possible to handle small ant infestations yourself, professional ant removal services are necessary for large and persistent infestations. Professional services offer expertise, safety, thorough treatment, and preventative measures to effectively and safely eliminate ant colonies.
How often should I schedule ant removal services and what is the cost?
The frequency of ant removal services will depend on the extent of the infestation and your property's susceptibility to future infestations. The cost of professional ant removal services will vary based on the size of your property and the extent of the infestation.
Can ants return after they have been removed and how can I prevent future infestations?
Ants can return after they have been removed if measures are not taken to prevent future infestations. Professional ant removal services will typically include preventative measures, such as sealing cracks and crevices and removing sources of food and water.
How do I choose the best professional pest control company for ant removal services?
When choosing a professional pest control company for ant removal services, it is important to consider factors such as their experience, reputation, licensing, insurance, and guarantees. You may also want to obtain references and compare quotes from multiple companies to ensure you choose the best fit for your needs.
Be the first to know
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive free pest advice and guidance.