Pest Control Costs
Pests require different solutions to control and eliminate them, depending on the species, location & size of infestation.
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Ants
While the world is home to over 15,000 ant species, the UK supports just 50 to 60 in total. This tiny fraction is largely due to the British climate; as ectothermic (cold-blooded) creatures, most ants naturally thrive in warm, tropical regions. Consequently, the UK's characteristically cooler, wet weather creates a natural barrier that limits outdoor survival for the vast majority of non-native ant species.
Ants across the UK
As one of the most widespread pests in the UK, ants are a frequent nuisance for property owners, with the Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger) being the most common culprit. These insects typically infiltrate kitchens, patios, and garden borders in search of food and shelter. While most native UK species pose no physical danger, they can quickly contaminate indoor surfaces and become a persistent headache in your property if the nest is left untreated. Their disciplined foraging trails make infestations easier to spot, but they also serve as a warning of how rapidly a minor nuisance can escalate into a widespread problem.
Because ants relentlessly forage for sugar, crumbs, and moisture, maintaining strict hygiene and taking early preventative measures for ants are crucial. However, when DIY methods fail to halt the invasion, professional pest control offers a more effective solution by targeting the heart of the colony to ensure long-term prevention.
Ants in your house or garden?
If you've spotted ants sneaking into your house or garden, early action can stop a small problem from turning into a larger infestation. Here are some steps you can take yourself to help:
- Watch carefully where the ants travel, since their trail often leads to the entry point or food source.
- Indoors, wipe away crumbs, sugary spills, and grease marks, and store food in sealed containers.
- Outside, check for small nests in soil, near paving, and along exterior walls, while keeping bins covered and pet food off the ground.
However, if ants keep returning despite these steps, the colony is likely established nearby. In that case, ant bait is often more effective than spray, because worker ants will carry it back to the nest and help eliminate the source of the problem.
Professional ant pest control may be the best option for recurring infestations, larger nests, or hard-to-reach areas, and it can provide faster, longer-lasting results.
Our external Ant Bait Station uses the ants’ roaming instinct to its advantage, providing a professional insecticide bait which they eat and take back to the nest, effectively eliminating the colony. The tamper-resistant lid allows it to be used safely in areas used by children and pets. Since worker ants follow established scent trails, the bait station helps target the source of the infestation rather than only the ants you can see. Our bespoke ant control service is designed to combat Garden Ant issues with the most appropriate and effective control methods.
Ants in your Business Building
In a commercial environment, ants are far more than a minor nuisance, they are a direct threat to your bottom line and your brand’s reputation. This is especially critical for businesses that handle food or maintain sterile environments. From hospitals and hotels to restaurants, pubs, and warehouses, maintaining the highest standards of hygiene isn't optional. It's essential. And that starts with a strictly ant-free business facility.
Dealing with Ant Infestations
Our local qualified technicians are trained to RSPH Level 2 as a minimum with over 400 qualified to BPCA/RSPH Level 3 and above. They provide targeted ant pest control for different ant species, so treatment matches the source of the infestation. They inspect entry points, nesting areas, and ant trails to find out why ants keep returning. While DIY products can help with minor activity, professional treatment is often the best way to kill ants effectively when the colony is well established. Technicians may use ant bait, residual insecticide, or other proven methods that work by reaching the nest, not just the ants you can see. This approach helps remove the current infestation and reduce the chance of it returning. Moreover, expert advice on hygiene, food storage, and proofing can support long-term ant prevention around your property.
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Ant Species & Guides
There are thousands of ant species worldwide, but in the cooler UK climate the Garden or Black Ant is the most common species found outdoors. It usually nests in soil, under paving, and near foundations, while workers enter homes in search of sweet foods and water.
Tropical species such as Pharaoh’s Ant, the almost translucent Ghost Ant, and the carnivorous Roger’s Ant are much less common in the UK, although they are able to survive indoors in heated building environments such as hospitals, offices, hotels, bakeries and flats or aprtment blocks. These species often spread through wall voids, service ducts, and kitchens, which makes correct identification important before treatment begins.
Since different ant species nest, forage, and respond to bait in different ways, the most effective ant control plan depends on the species involved. Moreover, understanding whether ants are coming from a garden nest or an indoor colony helps you choose between simple prevention steps, DIY ant killer products, and professional ant pest control services.
Ant Pest Control FAQs
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Why have I got an ant infestation in my house?
UK properties will attract black garden ants looking for food, water, and shelter. They are often drawn to kitchen crumbs, sugary spills, grease, accessible pet food and unrinsed recycling bins. Infestations often surge during warm, dry summer months when scout ants seek indoor water sources, or during 'flying ant day' when young males and females (often referred to as alates) swarm and mate in nuptial flights. The newly mated queen ants look for new nesting sites.
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How do you get rid of ants permanently?
To get rid of an ant colony permanently, you must eliminate both the queen and the nest. In the UK, placing enclosed ant bait stations along active trails allows worker ants to carry the bait back to the heart of the colony. Complement this by sealing entry gaps around doors and windows with silicone sealant to prevent new colonies from moving in.
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Is it worth getting an exterminator for ants?
Yes, hiring a professional is worth it for persistent, large, or complex infestations, such as invasive Pharaoh’s ants or wood-damaging species. While DIY treatments can help with small garden ant issue, Rentokil qualified technicians are trained to RSPH Level 2 as a minimum with over 400 qualified to BPCA/RSPH Level 3 and above, so can accurately identify the ant species, locate hidden cavity-wall nests, and safely apply commercial-grade treatments that prevent the infestation from returning.
DIY Products for Ants
We can offer DIY ant products, which can help remove small ant infestations. Our DIY range includes ant sprays, ant powder, and gels that can be used to treat garden ants in kitchens, patios, and along doorways. These products often work best when you place them close to ant trails, since worker ants will keep returning to the same food source.
However, DIY treatments usually give the best results when the nest is small and easy to reach. If ants keep coming back, the colony may be hidden under paving, inside wall gaps, or near exterior walls. In that case, a professional ant pest control service can identify the nest, target the source, and help stop the infestation from returning.
