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There are many types of ant that inhabit the UK, but the three most common are garden ants, pharaoh ants and red fire ants. Garden ants are best known as black ants and particularly like sweet foods.
Garden ants leave a trail to attract other ants, and this is often why you will get an ant infestation if food is left out.
The pharaoh ant is more likely to be attracted to food that has decomposed, and can leave harmful germs when it has fed on such food. Fire ants are reddish in colour and they sting, which can be painful to both humans and animals.
Because ants are attracted to food, it is important that any food substance is cleaned away and no food is left out. This is good practice generally, as it also helps keep rats and other pests away. Keep food covered or in secure Tupperware boxes.
There is a large range of products that can be used by householders to get rid of an ant infestation. These include ant sprays and ant powders, which also help to eliminate other insects.
These products work quickly and are quite efficient if the problem is on a relatively small scale. If you see any ants, use either of these products where the ants have been spotted, and in the surrounding area as well.
If the problem is slightly worse and it seems that there is a nest of ants that will keep reproducing, ant killer gel is highly recommended. It is more effective than sprays or powders because when the ants walk through the gel they carry it into the nest, where it can get rid of the queen ant too, and stop reproduction.
All of these products and other pest-control methods can be purchased at supermarkets, garden centres and hardware stores. You should ask in-store for advice on how to use the products, and also which is the most suitable product for the problem.
If the problem of ant infestation is large and DIY products are not enough, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to help get rid of the ants. If the ants are pharoah ants, or if there are a number of nests, professional pest control is required.
Pest controllers have greater knowledge of how to get rid of ants, and they will know what is needed. They can often guarantee a first-time solution, which is probably worth paying the extra money for. Most companies operate a call-out service.
The professionals will also inspect your house for access points where the ants could repeatedly come through. These include cracks and crevices, and it is good to have these areas highlighted to prevent any future infestations.
There are many solutions available to help get rid of ants. In the first instance, speak to someone in a store where they sell pest-control items.
If the infestation is bigger than can be dealt with using DIY products, be sure to seek the services of professional pest controllers.
