How to Get Rid of Ants

Although most UK ants are not thought to carry diseases, the possibilities of where they have been and what they have trodden on before arriving at your doorstep are extremely worrying. While the common UK Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger) does not inherently carry diseases or pose a direct health hazard, (it is considered a household nuisance) because these ants forage outdoors in unsanitary environments, they can carry bacteria and pathogens onto kitchen surfaces, worktops, cupboards and food storage.

Ants will travel long distances in search of crumbs and leftovers, and once a few ants find a food source, they leave a scent trail that guides other ants to the same spot with ease. This is why a few ants on a worktop or near a bin can quickly turn into a steady stream.

Since worker ants are always looking for reliable food and water, kitchens, pantries, pet bowls, and sinks can be common problem areas. Although they are small, ants can be very persistent, and an indoor ant infestation can quickly become a frustrating hygiene and pest control issue, for both households and businesses, especially in places that handle food.

The first step to solving any ant problem is to know what ant species you are dealing with. You need to be sure you have ants and not any other insect infestation. The treatment can vary greatly depending on the species of ant infesting your property. Since some ant’s nest in walls, while others gather around kitchens, damp areas or seek the warmth of pipes and radiators, the signs can look slightly different. You may notice ant trails, small piles of soil, or a steady flow of ants near food and water sources.

However, ants can sometimes be confused with other small insects, so careful identification matters before you choose any ant control method. Knowing the species can help you decide whether DIY ant treatment is realistic or whether professional pest control is the safer option. Ants enter homes primarily in search of food, moisture, and warmth, utilising tiny structural gaps to gain entry.

1. Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger)
   This is by far the most common ant species found inside UK properties. Worker ants (approx. 4–5mm), they are glossy black or very dark brown in colour. Highly opportunistic with a "sweet tooth," black garden ants nest outdoors (under patios, slabs, or soil) but invade homes during spring and summer through tiny structural gaps. They explore exclusively for food, leaving pheromone trails (scent markers) that guide thousands of workers directly to kitchen crumbs, sugar spills, or unsealed pet food.
2. Pharaoh's Ant (Monomorium pharaonis)
   While less common than the garden ant, Pharaoh ants are notorious indoor pests in the UK. These tiny ants (around 1.5 -2mm in size) are translucent light-yellow or reddish-brown in colour. Because they originate from the tropics, they cannot survive the cold UK winter outdoors. Consequently, they live exclusively indoors. Typically found in large, centrally heated buildings like blocks of flats, hospitals, and commercial kitchens. They travel between rooms via wall voids, electrical wiring, and plumbing pipes, nesting deep inside structures near heat and moisture.
3. Ghost Ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum)
   Another imported tropical species increasingly spotted in urban UK properties. At just 1.6mm they are microscopic with a dark head and translucent body that gives them a scurrying, "ghost"-like appearance. Like Pharaoh ants, they rely on heated buildings to survive. Thriving in high-moisture zones like bathrooms, kitchen splashbacks, and wall voids, they quickly swarm nearby sugary or greasy spills.

Knowing the signs of an ant problem is therefore just as important as being able to correctly identify a visible ant. This is where a trained, professional pest controller can really help. Correct identification will help you to choose the most effective control method, helping to save you time, money and worry.

DIY or Professional?
When it comes to getting rid of ants, you have two main options: DIY or hire a professional. An ant infestation may seem like a small issue that is treatable by yourself, however, we advise that you seek professional assistance in order to pin-point the actual extent of the ant problem.

If you choose the DIY ants option, it requires the purchase and correct use of DIY ant control products as well as some home improvement actions. DIY methods can work for small, visible trails, although they often miss the nest or queen. Since ants usually return to the same food source, partial treatment may only helps reduce activity for a short time. You may also need to seal entry points, clean up crumbs, and remove moisture sources.

The professional option requires you to find your local, expert pest controller as soon as you notice the signs of ants - this will allow time for immediate treatment. A professional can identify the exact ant species, trace where ants originate and where the nest is located and select the most effective ant treatment. Moreover, expert help is often the safer option for properties with children, pets, or sensitive food areas. Therefore, the right choice depends on how severe the ant problem is, how quickly you need results, and whether you want short-term relief or long-term ant control.

If you decide to control an ant problem on your own, you have a few basic options available. Start by cleaning up crumbs, sugary spills, and pet food, since these are common reasons, ants enter the home. You can also store food in sealed containers and empty bins often, which helps remove the scent trails ants follow. However, DIY ant bait stations and sprays only work well when they are placed and used correctly. Here are some things to consider and steps you can take:

• You could buy ant killer spray from a local shop or online. There is a wide range of sprays available. You can even buy specific ant traps for mainly indoor use.
• Home improvement is another key action. This should involve preventing access to ants as well as removing any potential nesting sites. Seal small gaps around doors, windows, and pipes, while checking for cracks where ants may be getting in.
• Ants can exploit the smallest of gaps and easily manoeuvre through openings not much bigger than the width of a pencil. Seal all gaps and cracks under doors, and around windows.
• Clear up any liquid or food spillages as quickly as possible as this may attract ants.

Although a DIY solution is a cheaper alternative to professional treatment, it does have some risks.

• DIY solutions cannot guarantee complete removal of an ant problem.
• Products and traps need to be used exactly and correctly to have any effect - always follow the instructions very carefully.
• DIY solutions may need longer time to take effect - if an ant nest is in a wall cavity or other inaccessible area it will be more complex to try and treat or if you are unable to kill the Queen ant, she may simply relocate the colony.
• Although these DIY steps may help reduce ant activity, they will not remove the nest if the colony is hidden inside walls or under floors.

If you have never had an ant infestation before, you are unlikely to know what the best course of action is. Most people do not think about pest control until ants appear in the kitchen, pantry, or around windows and doors. Since ants often follow hidden trails, the problem may be larger than it first seems.

• If this is the case, it can be much more reassuring to call in professional pest control to take care of the issue. This way you can be sure that the professional products used in your home are as safe for both your children and your pets and are as effective as possible. The less time spent with ants in your home, the better.
• Acting quickly to contact a professional can help you remove ants more effectively and reduce the chance of the colony growing indoors.
• The right treatment depends on the ant species and the location of the nest. Therefore, a careful approach that combines professional treatment, cleaning, and prevention advice usually gives the best long-term result.

The level of risk that ants pose to a business will vary greatly depending on the industry, the size of the business site, and any legal pest control requirements. Another major concern is the wider impact pests can have on brand reputation, customer reviews, staff morale, daily operations, and overall profits.

• In food processing, service, retail, and hospitality settings, even a small number of ants can quickly become a serious issue.
  Since ants are drawn to crumbs, spills, and stored goods, they can spread through kitchens, stock rooms, and customer areas with ease. This can lead to failed inspections, wasted stock, and unhappy customers, while repeated sightings may damage trust in your business.
• Early professional ant control helps reduce business disruption, protect standards, and support a cleaner, safer environment for staff and visitors.

When it comes to getting rid of ants in a business, most companies cannot afford to lose time testing DIY methods because the risks are simply too high.

• This is especially true for food businesses, where ants can contaminate surfaces, storage areas, and preparation spaces.
• Although shop-bought products may seem convenient, they often fail to address the nest, which allows the infestation to return. A professional pest control company will inspect the site, identify the ant species, and choose the most effective ant treatment for that setting.
• Since businesses must protect staff, customers, stock, and reputation, fast and targeted action is often the safest choice. Moreover, ongoing support can help prevent ants from coming back, while also supporting hygiene standards and smooth daily operations.
• You should rely on professional services offered by a reputable pest control company. A partnership such as this will help to protect your business long-term against future pest problems and reflect positively on the business from the view of stakeholders, peers and your customers.

To find the right professional pest control company for your specific pest problem, you will need to ensure the entire organisation, as well as the pest control technicians are able to fulfil key criteria. You should expect the same level of competence and duty of care that is provided by any other type of professional service - meaning you should receive their utmost respect for your home, property or business site and operate with the greatest care and attention.

• Every pest infestation will be unique compared to the next, this is due to the varying sizes and structural designs of different buildings. The service should be completely tailored to your specific situation.
• Look for a company with professional licences, clear insurance, and employees who are trained to handle ant control safely. Since ant problems can vary by species, the provider should be able to identify the ants correctly and explain the best treatment.
• You should also expect a clear inspection process, honest pricing, and practical advice on how to prevent ants from coming back.
  Moreover, good pest control companies communicate well, arrive on time, and treat your home or business with care. Although price matters, it should not be the only factor when choosing who to trust with the problem.
• An ideal pest partner will be able to anticipate and answer all health and safety concerns. He or she should be able to voice any challenges or restrictions right from the start. Equally, as a customer, you should always feel able to voice any concerns and ask as many questions as you need to.

Key criteria for Selection:

1. Certifications - licenses and certifications will show that a pest control company meets recognised industry standards and that your treatments are carried out to the highest standard practices.
2. Affiliated associations - membership of recognized industry associations such as the National Pest Management Association and the British Pest Control Association will ensure your services are provided by a trained, insured and trusted company, which has to comply with strict membership criteria.
3. Personal recommendations - even today, word-of-mouth and personal recommendations can be more powerful than a company’s own word. Speak to neighbours, friends, family and check review sites to find out about customer satisfaction.
4. Online reviews - independent online Customer Reviews - such as Trustpilot, can be a source of information by your peers on the services they have received.
5. Transparency - complete honesty and transparency early-on regarding the cost, level and duration of treatment required will help you see if the company is reliable.
6. Expertise & experience - a well-established, recognised company can offer a peace of mind in the services provided and its relationship with customers.

With Rentokil Pest Control, you can be assured of complete pest protection. Our focus on control solutions will ensure complete removal of your pest problem. At the same time, our approach to pest protection helps your home or business stay pest-free for longer. Since ant activity can return if the source is not addressed, we look beyond the visible ants and target the cause of the infestation.

• With over 100 years of experience serving pest control customers, our expertise in the industry should reassure you of the quality of our service.
• We have the highest qualified and independently accredited pest control teams in the UK with over 1,000 expert frontline specialists. Our qualified technicians are trained to RSPH Level 2 as a minimum with over 400 qualified to BPCA/RSPH Level 3 and above.
• We tailor our products to target pests by species.
• We customise our solutions based on the uniqueness of your home, building or business premises - recognising that every pest problem is different.
• We use advanced solutions approved by industry governing bodies - helping to ensure reliability and success.
• Our large network of professional entomologists and field biologists support the services and products used by our technicians on-site.

Don't let an ant infestation disrupt your home or business. When DIY methods fall short, acting quickly is the key to stopping a few scouts from turning into a massive invasion.

Contact Rentokil today to eliminate the stress of pests. Our experts don't just treat the ants you can see—we locate the hidden nests, identify overlooked entry points, and cut off their food sources to prevent them from coming back.

While some people start with DIY ant treatment, professional support is often faster, safer, and more reliable for long-term ant prevent. Partner with the professionals for a faster, safer, long-term solutions. Reach out now to secure your property and get peace of mind.