Ant Control

Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00. Saturday and Sunday by arrangement.

A trail of ants across the kitchen worktop, or ants coming up between floorboards or around the patio doors? We find out where they are getting in and treat them at the source, so the nest is dealt with, not just the ants you can see.

About ants

Ants are one of the most common insect problems in spring and summer. Most ants that come into homes in our area are black garden ants that nest outside, under paving, patios, walls and lawns, and walk in looking for food. Wiping away the trail removes the workers you can see, but the nest keeps sending more.

MSE Pest Control is a local, RSPH Level 2 qualified pest controller and a member of the BPCA and NPTA. We identify the ant first, because different species need different treatments. We then use professional ant treatments, such as gel baits or residual insecticides, placed where they will reach the colony and away from food preparation surfaces.

Signs of ants

Trails of small black or brown ants along worktops, skirting boards, window sills or door frames
Ants gathering around food, sugar, jam, pet food, sweet drinks or bins
Ants coming up through gaps in floorboards, tiles, skirting or around patio doors
Small piles of fine soil or sand by doors, patios, walls or between paving slabs
Flying ants appearing indoors or outdoors on warm, humid summer days
Tiny pale ants in a warm, centrally heated building that keep returning (possible Pharaoh ants)

How we treat ants

An inspection to identify the type of ant and trace the trails back to entry points and, where possible, the nest
Professional ant treatments, such as gel baits or residual insecticide, chosen to suit the species and the location
For black garden ants, treatment at entry points, along trails and around the nest outside where accessible
For Pharaoh ants, a baiting programme rather than spraying, as spraying can make the problem worse
Treatments placed away from food preparation surfaces, children and pets
Advice on sealing entry points, keeping food sealed away and cleaning

Risks and why it matters

Food contamination: ants walk across bins, drains and outdoor surfaces before walking across worktops and food.
Nuisance: large numbers of ants in kitchens and living areas are unpleasant and hard to get rid of without dealing with the nest.
Food businesses: food hygiene law requires food businesses to have adequate procedures to control pests, including ants.
Pharaoh ants: in heated buildings such as flats, care homes and hospitals, Pharaoh ants can spread through the building and are a hygiene concern. They need a specialist approach.
Garden damage: ant nests under lawns and paving can lift slabs and create mounds.

Identifying ants

Black garden ant (Lasius niger): the most common ant in UK homes. Dark brown to black, about 3 to 5mm long. Nests outdoors under paving, walls and lawns, and comes indoors for food, especially sweet things.
Flying ants: winged males and new queens of the same garden ants. They swarm on a few warm, humid days in summer to mate. They are a short-lived nuisance rather than a separate pest.
Pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis): tiny (about 2mm), pale yellow to light brown, found in warm, centrally heated buildings. Spraying can make Pharaoh ant colonies split and spread, so they are treated with baits.
Red ants (Myrmica species): reddish-brown, found in gardens and lawns, and able to sting. They rarely come indoors.

What to expect

Call us and tell us where you are seeing ants and how long it has been going on.

We inspect, identify the ants and find the trails and entry points.

We treat entry points, trails and the nest area where it can be reached.

Do not hoover or clean treated areas or bait points for at least 2 weeks after treatment, so the ants carry the treatment back to the nest.

Activity usually reduces over the following days. Call us if it does not and we will advise.

Preparing for your visit

Note where you see ants coming in and where they are going
Avoid spraying shop-bought ant killer before we arrive, as this can scatter the ants and hide the trails
Clear worktops and put food away in sealed containers
Clear access to skirting boards, kitchen units, door thresholds and patio doors
Keep pets away from the areas we will be treating

Prevention tips

Store sugar, honey, jam, cereals and pet food in sealed containers
Wipe up spills and crumbs straight away, especially sweet ones, but do not hoover or clean treated areas or bait points for at least 2 weeks after treatment
Keep bins closed and empty them regularly
Seal gaps around door frames, window sills, skirting boards and where pipes come through walls
Rinse recycling before putting it in the bin
Do not leave pet food bowls down all day
Check patios and paving next to the house for nests in spring

Seasonal notes

Ants usually start coming indoors in spring as the weather warms, with the busiest period from May to August. Flying ants swarm on a few warm, humid days, usually in July or August. Pharaoh ants in heated buildings can be active all year round.