Why You’re Seeing More Ants in Didcot Homes This May

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Ant Activity Spikes in May
3. Common Ant Hotspots in Didcot Homes
4. What Attracts Ants to Your Property
5. How to Prevent Ant Infestations
6. Professional Ant Control in Didcot & Surrounding Areas
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Have you noticed ant problems on your kitchen floor or gathering near doorways? You’re not the only one. At Shire Pest Solutions, we’ve responded to a noticeable rise in ant problems throughout Didcot and nearby areas such as Ladygrove, Great Western Park, Harwell, West Hagbourne, and South Moreton this May.

In this blog, we’ll explain the increase in ant sightings, where these insects tend to appear, how to prevent them, and when it’s time to call a professional.

Why Ant Activity Spikes in May

Spring temperatures trigger a surge in ant activity. In Didcot, ants begin emerging from their nests in late April and become especially active by May. Warmer weather stimulates queen ants to lay eggs, while worker ants start foraging for food.

This seasonal pattern makes May the peak month for spotting black garden ants (Lasius niger), the species most often found invading South Oxfordshire homes.

👉 For more insights into how different pests emerge throughout the year, read our blog on Seasonal Pest Problems in Didcot and Wallingford (and How to Solve Them).

Common Ant Hotspots in Didcot Homes

We’ve treated ant problems across Didcot and consistently see ants appearing in the following locations:

• Ladygrove Estates: Open-plan kitchens and patio doors give ants easy entry and access to food.
• Great Western Park (GWP): Newer homes often have small construction gaps that ants exploit.
• South Moreton & Harwell: Rural properties often have nesting areas nearby, such as patios and driveways.
• Didcot Town Centre: Older houses with worn mortar and skirting board gaps offer perfect hiding spots.

What Attracts Ants to Your Property

Ants invade homes when they find food or moisture. In Didcot, we regularly trace infestations back to:

• Crumbs and sugary spills in kitchens or under appliances
• Pet bowls left out overnight
• Unrinsed recycling with sticky drink residue
• Gaps around windows or doors
• Leaks under sinks or in bathrooms

Even spotless homes can attract ants if they follow an old scent trail.

How to Prevent Ant Infestations

Preventing ants begins with strong housekeeping and proactive maintenance:

• Clean surfaces with vinegar or lemon-based solutions to disrupt scent trails.
• Seal cracks around skirting boards, windows, and doors.
• Store food, especially sugar and cereal, in sealed containers.
• Take bins out regularly, including wheelie bins.
• Repair any leaks and dry out damp areas in kitchens and bathrooms.

In garden-heavy areas like Upton or West Hagbourne, inspect patios and furniture for signs of ant activity.

👉 Explore our guide on Preventing Rodent Issues Year-Round in Didcot and Wallingford for broader pest-proofing tips that also apply to ants.

Professional Ant Control in Didcot & Surrounding Areas

DIY ant sprays might reduce numbers, but they don’t destroy the nest. That’s why expert help often proves more effective.

At Shire Pest Solutions, we offer targeted ant control for Didcot and nearby villages including:

• Ladygrove
• Great Western Park
• Harwell & Harwell Campus
• West and East Hagbourne
• South Moreton & North Moreton
• Upton, Aston Tirrold, Blewbury, and Cholsey

We apply professional-grade gels and insecticides that are safe for children and pets but lethal to ants. These treatments destroy the colony by eliminating the queen—ensuring the infestation doesn’t return.

We also provide seasonal pest control plans to protect your home throughout spring and summer.

👉 Learn why Eco-Friendly Pest Control is the Future in Oxfordshire and how we’re adapting our treatments to balance safety and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Ant infestations are a seasonal nuisance in Didcot, but early action can stop a few scouts from becoming a full-blown colony. If you’ve noticed soil piles near your foundations or a trail of ants inside, it’s time to act.

Contact Shire Pest Solutions for rapid, reliable ant control in Didcot and surrounding villages. Call us on 01235 399073 or use our Post navigation