Garden Ants

Garden ants are found throughout Britain and usually nest in gardens and areas around buildings.  They often enter homes in search of food.

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, the flying stages of the ants may be seen emerging from the nest in large numbers.  This event normally lasts for only a few days.

Are garden ants a health hazard?

Garden or Black ants are not regarded as a ‘significant risk to public health’, however they can be a nuisance when found in the home.

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 the pest.

A number of different types of insecticide are available for controlling ant problems.  These products can usually be brought from a local hardware store, chemist and some supermarkets.

Safety

Care should be taken when using boiler 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.

Please contact us if you require any assistance.

Warning: Use biocides safely.  Always read the label and product information before use.

E-mail:

environmental.health
@thanet.gov.uk 

Tel: 01843 577580

Fax: 01843 290906