Ants
Common Black Ant, Garden Ant, Lasius niger
As with all
social insects, there are a number of different castes comprising a complicated
community within the ants’ nest. The workers are the most common caste and the
ones most likely to be seen.
This is the only indigenous British species that commonly enters houses. This
ant is the most common ant in Britain. Nests are typically found in soil but may
be found under paving stones and concrete.
The garden ant can pose a real problem as a nuisance pest. During foraging, workers may be found in domestic and industrial premises searching for sugary food sources. The mating swarms can also be a short-term nuisance.
Pharaoh's Ant, Monomorium pharaonis
The workers of this species of ant are only around 2mm long, with the queen being larger. The colouration of the workers is light yellow with a darkish abdomen. This species is the most commonly encountered ‘tramp’ species in the UK being found in domestic premises, hospitals, prisons, zoos, botanical gardens, food manufacturing premises etc.
The multi-nesting behaviour of this species means that if one area of a building is infested, there is the likelihood of extensive spread throughout the building.
Advanced Rodent Control.