Understand the problem before treatment.
Ant trails returning to a kitchen or workplace? Identification and colony behaviour help determine the right treatment and prevention plan.
Ant biology and behaviour.
Biology and life cycle
Ants are social insects living in colonies with queens and workers. The ants seen travelling across a floor or worktop are usually foraging workers searching for food to take back to the colony.
Where they live and how they behave
Black garden ants commonly nest outdoors and enter buildings for food, particularly sweet foods. Other species can establish in warm indoor spaces, so an indoor infestation needs careful identification.
How Chris can help
Chris identifies the ants and checks the trail, entry points and likely nesting areas. He can then recommend a targeted plan and explain how cleaning, food storage and the selected treatment work together.
Prevention and preparation
Wipe up spills, keep food sealed and clean food residues from bins and surfaces. Avoid disrupting an existing bait treatment or applying other products without advice.
More on identification and behaviour: BPCA: ant control.
Signs to discuss with Chris.
Foraging trails
A repeated trail between an opening and a food source.
Activity around food
Ant activity around cupboards, worktops or waste.
Outdoor nest signs
Small piles of soil near possible outdoor nest entrances.
