Ants may not always seem a big deal – you can barely even see them when you’re standing! However, for every one human, there are around one million ants. If you’re unfortunate enough to face an ant infestation, you will certainly realise the presence and enormity of the species.
Ants do not move into homes as other animals do for warmth. They are usually drawn to sweet substances like jam and sugar. It is therefore super important to keep your house clean at all times to avoid such ant temptations.
Flying ants are the most dreaded of ants. In the hot months, you may find them invading your homes and taking over window space. Flying ants are no different to ants on the ground, apart from the fact that they are sexually mature. They often fly in swarms for two purposes: protection and mating, and usually choose high points to mate, such as chimneys. The swarms can be so big that even we can sometimes see the black clouds they form. The ‘Queen’ – the female ants – choose the fastest and strongest male ants to mate with. Despite being able to store sperm in their abdomen for months, fortunately for us, they are bird prey. They have high mortality rates and are often killed before they get a chance to reproduce.
To reduce the risk of ants in the home, make sure you:
- Clean up after cooking. We know most people want to relax after cooking dinner, but the sooner you can clean up your cooking mess, the better.
- Dispose of waste securely (wrap it carefully).
- Don’t leave any food unsealed or out on the side and pack it away in cupboards and fridges!
If you see any ant, whether flying or grounded, give us a call and we will make sure all of them are taken care of.
