Pest control & removal
AntControl & Removal
Fast, RSPH-qualified, fully insured ant treatment with same-day appointments and 24/7 emergency call-outs across the UK.
Identification
How to identify ants
Ants are small, typically 2-15 mm long, and vary in colour from black to red or brown. They have three distinct body segments: head, thorax, and abdomen. Ants are known for their segmented antennae and often have a narrow waist. Common signs of an ant infestation include: Trails: Visible lines of ants marching to and from food sources. Nests: Piles of soil or sand around outdoor nests or small holes in the ground. Food Debris: Ants feeding on spilled food or sugary substances indoors. Ants Inside: Finding ants in or around kitchen areas, particularly near food sources. Ants are social insects and typically live in colonies, making their presence more noticeable as they forage for food.
Warning signs
Signs of a ant infestation
Live ants indoors: the most obvious sign is workers foraging across floors, worktops, skirting boards and around sinks, particularly in kitchens and near food. Trails: distinct lines of ants moving to and from a food source along a consistent route, often following edges, pipework or cabling. Entry points: ants emerging from cracks in walls, gaps around skirting, airbricks, beneath thresholds or from beneath floorboards. Nest indicators outdoors: small piles of fine excavated soil ("ant hills") on lawns, between paving slabs, along patio edges and at the base of walls. Flying ants: the appearance of large numbers of winged ants (alates) indoors or swarming outdoors during the summer "flying ant day(s)" indicates a mature, established nest nearby. Activity near sweet or greasy foods: clusters of ants around spilled food, pet bowls, bins or sugary residues. Persistent return after cleaning: ants reappearing in the same spot shortly after surfaces are wiped suggests an established pheromone trail and a nest within or close to the building. For Pharaoh's ants specifically, small (around 2 mm) yellow-brown ants seen year-round in heated buildings, especially near heating ducts, kitchens and bathrooms, are a strong indicator.
Why it matters
Health & property risks
Ants are generally a nuisance pest rather than a serious health hazard, but they should not be ignored, particularly in food-handling environments. The main concerns are: Contamination: foraging ants travel between bins, drains and food preparation surfaces and can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus onto food and worktops. Pharaoh's ants are of particular concern in hospitals and care settings because they can spread pathogens between wounds, dressings and sterile areas, and are capable of transmitting infection. Food spoilage: contaminated stored food usually has to be discarded, with associated waste and cost. Bites and stings: native garden ants rarely bite, but some species can deliver a nip or, in the case of certain species, a mild sting that may cause localised irritation; severe reactions are uncommon. Structural and electrical issues: large nests, especially those in wall voids, insulation or near wiring and appliances, can occasionally cause faults or damage. Allergy and asthma: ant debris and large numbers of ants can be a nuisance allergen for sensitive individuals. Overall the public-health risk is low for the common garden ant but rises significantly for Pharaoh's ants in medical, care and food premises.
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Our treatment
How we treat ants
Blades Pest Solutions has several options to to eliminate ant infestations: Baiting: We use ant baits that attract ants, which then carry the poison back to the nest, targeting the entire colony. Insecticides: We apply targeted insecticides to eliminate ants and their nests effectively. Nesting Area Treatment: We treat identified nesting sites to reduce the colony population.
Our expert advice
At Blades Pest Solutions, we recommend a strategic approach to ant control: Clean Up: Keep kitchens and dining areas clean by promptly cleaning spills and crumbs. Seal Entry Points: Identify and seal cracks, gaps, and holes in walls, floors, and around windows and doors. Remove Nests: For outdoor infestations, locate and treat ant nests to reduce the colony. Store Food Properly: Use airtight containers for food and ensure that pet food is also stored securely.
Keep them away
How to prevent ants
To prevent ants, maintain cleanliness in your home, seal potential entry points, store food properly, and address any outdoor nests or colonies promptly.
Did you know
Ant facts
Colonies: Ants live in colonies that can number from a few dozen to several million individuals. Food Preferences: Different ant species have varying food preferences, from sweets to proteins, influencing their foraging behaviour. Communication: Ants use chemical signals called pheromones to communicate and organise their activities. Nesting Habits: Ants can build nests both indoors and outdoors, often in soil, wood, or within wall voids. Adaptability: Ants are highly adaptable and can thrive in a range of environments, from urban areas to forests.
UK seasonality
When are ants most active in the UK?
UK ant activity is strongly seasonal and temperature-driven for outdoor species, while heated-building species such as Pharaoh's ant remain active all year. January to February: native ants are largely dormant, with colonies overwintering underground; little surface activity in cold weather. March: as soil temperatures rise, colonies begin to wake and early foraging may be seen on milder days. April to May: activity increases noticeably; workers forage actively and ants commonly begin entering homes in search of food, making this the start of the busy season for callouts. June: peak foraging; warm weather drives heavy indoor and outdoor activity. July to August: the height of the season, including the well-known "flying ant day(s)" when winged males and new queens emerge to mate in large nuptial swarms, typically on warm, humid, still days; this is the busiest period for enquiries. September: activity remains high in warm spells but begins to taper as temperatures fall; colonies focus on building reserves for winter. October: foraging declines markedly as the weather cools. November to December: most native colonies return to dormancy underground. Throughout the year, Pharaoh's ants and other tropical species in centrally heated commercial and institutional buildings show little seasonal variation and can require treatment in any month.
The law
UK law & ant control
Ants are not a protected species in the UK, so there are no legal restrictions on controlling the common household species (most often the black garden ant, Lasius niger, and increasingly Pharaoh's ant, Monomorium pharaonis, in heated premises). However, professional treatment is still governed by relevant legislation. Any insecticide we apply must be approved for use under the Control of Pesticides Regulations and used strictly in accordance with its product label; off-label or amateur misuse of professional products is an offence. As an RSPH-qualified company, our technicians hold the required qualifications and apply products in line with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments to protect occupants, children, pets and non-target wildlife. We also have a duty of care to avoid harm to pollinators: where ant control is carried out near gardens or flowering plants, we take care not to expose bees and other beneficial insects, and we never treat a nest that on inspection proves to belong to bees rather than ants. Note that the protections covering honey bees, bats and the CRRU rodenticide stewardship scheme apply to those species and to rodenticides, not to ants, and so do not restrict ant treatment.
Pricing
What affects ant control cost?
Several factors influence a quote for ant control, and we provide a price only after assessing the situation rather than charging a fixed rate. Species: common garden ants are usually straightforward, whereas Pharaoh's ants require a specialist baiting programme (spray treatments can cause the colony to "bud" and split into multiple nests, making the problem worse), which takes longer and costs more. Extent and number of colonies: a single localised nest is cheaper to treat than widespread or multiple interconnected nests. Location and accessibility of the nest: nests in wall voids, under floors, beneath patios or in cavities are harder to reach and treat than open garden nests. Size and type of property: larger premises, multi-occupancy buildings and commercial sites take more time and product. Severity and duration: long-standing or heavy infestations often need more intensive treatment. Number of visits required: many cases are resolved in a single visit, but baiting programmes (especially for Pharaoh's ants) and guarantees may involve follow-up visits. Environment and sensitivity: food premises, hospitals, care homes and homes with children or pets may require lower-risk methods, additional precautions and documentation, which can affect the approach and cost. Preventative work: any recommended proofing, sealing of entry points or ongoing monitoring contracts is quoted separately. We are happy to provide a no-obligation survey and tailored quotation.
Local engineers
Ant control near you
We provide local ant control across the region, including:
Advice & guides
Ant advice & guides
Practical, expert reading on dealing with ants - from spotting the signs to safe, lasting treatment.
Pests
How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home
How to spot an ant problem early, why a trail in the kitchen matters more than it looks, and the fastest, safest way to clear the whole colony, not just the ants you can see.
Read guideSeasonal
Spring Pests in Suffolk: What to Watch For
Spring wakes pests across Suffolk: wasp queens start small nests, ants begin foraging, and rodents nest and breed. Here's what to watch for and why acting early pays off.
Read guideSeasonal
Summer Pest Season: Wasps, Flies & Ants
Summer is peak season for wasps, flies and flying ants across Suffolk. Here is what is driving the surge, why outdoor dining raises the stakes, and the practical steps to stay ahead of it.
Read guideAdvice
Seasonal Pest Calendar for Suffolk & East Anglia
Which pests to expect each season in Suffolk and East Anglia - and what homes and businesses can do to stay ahead of them, month by month.
Read guide
FAQs
Ant control FAQs
- How do I get rid of ants fast?
- The fastest, most reliable route is a professional treatment. Blades Pest Solutions uses RSPH-qualified methods to eliminate ants at source, with same-day and 24/7 emergency appointments. Call 0800 037 7358.
- What are the signs of a ant infestation?
- Live ants indoors: the most obvious sign is workers foraging across floors, worktops, skirting boards and around sinks, particularly in kitchens and near food. Trails: distinct lines of ants moving to and from a food source along a consistent route, often following edges, pipework or cabling.
- Are ants dangerous to health?
- Ants are generally a nuisance pest rather than a serious health hazard, but they should not be ignored, particularly in food-handling environments. The main concerns are: Contamination: foraging ants travel between bins, drains and food preparation surfaces and can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus onto food and worktops.
- How much does ant control cost?
- Several factors influence a quote for ant control, and we provide a price only after assessing the situation rather than charging a fixed rate. Species: common garden ants are usually straightforward, whereas Pharaoh's ants require a specialist baiting programme (spray treatments can cause the colony to "bud" and split into multiple nests, making the problem worse), which takes longer and costs more.
- Are your ant treatments safe for children and pets?
- Yes. As a RSPH-qualified contractor we follow industry best practice and apply targeted treatments responsibly, so your family and pets stay safe.
- How quickly can you treat a ant problem?
- We offer same-day appointments and 24/7 emergency response for urgent ant infestations across our coverage area. Fully licensed & insured.
Got ants? We'll sort it - fast.
Speak to a local, RSPH-qualified engineer now. 24/7 emergency cover and same-day response.
Free quote · Same-day · 24/7 emergency