Ants are amazing creatures, with the ability to form such complex nests. They have colonised almost every landmass on earth by working as a team. As astounding as they are, we still wouldn’t like them to invade our homes.
The majority of ant species prefer warmer weather therefore the British climate is not suitable for many of them. Although the variety we do have here are an absolute annoyance they are however not thought to carry diseases.
Their love of heat means summer is their favourite time of year. This leads to our patios, flowerbeds and lawns becoming partially covered by the excavated soil which they move to build their nests.
Signs of a Problem
Tell-tale signs can be such as noticing unearthed soil spots around the grounds of your home. Or you might spot a large number of live ants. If you happen to see them in areas of food preparation, then the problem needs to be addressed immediately.
An ants nest site can look like a small pile of soil or dirt. However, some species quite often make a home in walls, or darker areas. This can make them harder to spot, such as an upside down flowerpot or a compost bin.
In theory, ants cause little damage to our plants, but they can loosen the soil around plants and bury low-growing plant types with excavated soil. Red ants – Myrmica rubra can give a sting, although it’s nothing to be alarmed about as it is usually no more than a minor irritation.
Although, this may be worth remembering if you are planning on doing a large amount of planting. As you could end up covered in little sting marks. If you have scheduled a day of planting you may be best to remove the ant problem prior to starting the task.
Preventing a Problem
It may sound simple but clearing up food and liquid spillages quickly is the best place to start for ant protection, particularly sugary food as ants have a preference for these. Keep in mind the smallest of crumbs would be enough to entice an invasion of ants into your home.
Ants have a dislike for vinegar and lemon juice, try squirting either liquid on to your patio ground and also around pots and containers that you wish to protect.
Seal off all entrance areas where possible, filling up as many small holes as possible, since they are so small they can find thousands of tiny doorways into your home.
Controlling Ants
There are several solutions to the problem of ants. The quickest solution is Deadfast Ant Killer spray which kill ants immediately on contact, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The formula stays active for three months, with the micro-capsules sticking to the ant’s body which is then carried back to the nest for total control.
Our Deadfast Ant Killer Plus Bait Station is a fast action ant killer. With innovative indoxacarb active, it is safer to use around children and pets. It’s also safe and gives fast nest elimination. It kills the entire nest with a unique ingredient is only activated once ingested by the ant. Importatly this works fast within 24 hours
