ANT CHARACTERISTICS These belong to the order of insects known as Hymenoptera.  A complex nest system known as a Caste system nurses young, forages for food and guards The Queens (fertile females).  They have mouth parts which bite, have a pedicel (narrow waist) that separates the Thorax and Abdomen.  If wings are present, there may be a double pair and these will be joined by a row of hooks.

MAIN PEST SPECIES OF ANTS IN THE UK ARE:

a)    Lasius niger (Common Black Ant) – characteristics – will feed both internally and externally, mostly found in soil (typically under paving stones), will infest domestic properties, factories etc.

b)   Hypoponera punctatissima (Roger’s Ant) – characteristics – will feed almost always indoors, prefer damp residues and debris, crevices near drains (e.g. swimming pools) and will infest all types of properties

c)   Monomorium pharaonis (Pharaoh’s Ant) – characteristics – these again, will feed indoors and prefer hollow voids, wall cavities and nearly always in awkward, inaccessible spaces.  Typically found in hospitals, nursing homes and other heated premises.

REPRODUCTION Colonies, which are founded by a fertile Queen will nurse larvae until they mature into adulthood.  Some tropical species of ant will retain several Queens within the nest structure.

Total time from egg to adult:

Lasius niger – 8-12 weeks

Hypoponera punctatissima – not known

Monomorium pharaonis – 5-6 weeks

For further details and information on treatments of these pest species, please contact P & P PEST CONTROL LTD on 01873 830204 or email us for free advice and/or a no obligation survey.