The UK's Unexpected Ant Boom: What's Causing the Surge?
Have you noticed more ants than usual in your garden, in your house and when out and about this summer? You’re not alone.
The UK’s ant population is growing, making ant control even more challenging – and even more important.
But what are the reasons behind this surge in the ant population? Do the environment and the climate have a part to play? How can these growing numbers of ants be controlled? Read on for the answers…
Exploring the Ant Population Surge in the UK
Research suggests that for every one person on the planet, there are 2.5 million ants – and this number is growing. It’s the result of a number of factors, including an increase in the availability of food, increasing urbanisation, and their speedy reproductive cycles, as well as climactic changes.
The UK is home to around 50 ant species – you’ll find information about some of the most common ones here. These include the black garden ant, which you’ll find in lawns and under patios, and the black stinging ant, which prefers coastal areas where it can nest under stones, in rocky crevices and in sandy or peaty soil.
The common red ant prefers meadows and river banks but can also be found in gardens, while the carpenter ant makes its home in woodwork – including the structure of people’s homes.
Other common UK ant species include the yellow meadow ant, found in downlands, grasslands and gardens with long grass, and the red wood ant – or horse ant – which nests in woodland, moorland and heathland.
Environmental and Climatic Factors
Changes in climate and weather patterns are contributing to the growth in the ant population.
Across the globe, temperatures are increasing as a result of global warming. Ants enjoy warm environments, which may be one reason behind the swell in numbers – and with more extreme weather coming to our shores, it increases the risk of non-native species (like the red imported fire ant) reaching our shores.
Ants also thrive in areas where disturbance and disorder is present – meaning areas devastated by storms and droughts may see their numbers rise.
It’s not just the climate that is having an impact, though – it’s also human behaviour. Through crops, houseplant pests and food spillages and littering, we’re increasing the availability of food for ants. The way in which we build our homes offers easy access for ants in search of food. Trends such as leaving wild-growing areas of the garden create undisturbed places for ants to build their nests. Without even knowing it, we could all be contributing to the growing armies of ants that are found in our homes and gardens.
Ants in the Home and Garden
When ants are in search of food, nowhere is out of bounds. Generally, a colony will send a scout to look for food sources – and if they hit the jackpot, they’ll bring a number of other workers to that location.
While ants are active all year round, we’re more likely to see them in our homes and gardens in late spring and throughout the summer. Flying ants tend to leave the nests in May or June to form new nests elsewhere.
In the warmer months, food sources are more plentiful than normal. Aphids colonise garden plants. Fruit crops such as strawberries ripen, offering a source of sugar. Picnics and barbecues result in food spillages, while easier access to our homes through open windows and doors can prove useful for opportunistic ants looking for food indoors.
There’s plenty you can do to minimise ant infestations. Ensure that food and drink inside your home is well sealed, and clean up any remnants of al fresco dining. Look for potential entrances to your home – like cracks in walls – and seal them, and consider using home solutions like vinegar and water or lemon juice as a deterrent.
If an infestation has already taken hold, don’t worry: there are tried and tested ant control techniques that can help.
Effective Ant Control Techniques
The ants you see in your house or garden will only be a small percentage of the colony: killing just the visible creatures won’t resolve your problem.
While the natural solutions of vinegar and lemon juice can help, they won’t tackle the root of the problem.
You will find various off-the-shelf solutions for ant control, which can help. However, be warned that as with any poison, they may not be suitable for households with pets or children.
Professional pest control for ants is the best way to eradicate the colony completely. Accredited ant control services can fully assess your situation before creating a customised control plan that takes the location, colony size, species and more into account, resolving the issue in the best possible way.
Expertise in Action
At Pest Stop Boys, our approach to ant control is comprehensive, considerate, fast and effective. We have decades of experience and expertise in managing ant issues, from the smallest of garden colonies to the most severe of home invasions.
We tailor our solutions to suit every situation: we know that no two ant infestations are the same. However big or small your ant problem, we’ll choose a solution that’s safe and reliable – and we’ll always take into account the presence of any children or pets, as well as the best approach for the environment.
Our friendly and professional team are discreet and well-trained, and our industry accreditations and positive Checkatrade reviews speak for themselves. If you’re looking for the best pest control for ants in the Brighton or Worthing area, we’re here to help. Get in touch to find out more.
