
Have an ant problem?
Professional Ant Control Services in the UK
Ant infestations can disrupt homes and businesses. At Shire Pest Solutions, we offer effective ant control services across the UK, ensuring your property remains ant-free.
Common Ant Species in the UK
Understanding the types of ants commonly found in the UK helps in identifying and addressing infestations promptly.
- Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger): These ants are prevalent in urban and suburban areas. They often invade homes searching for sweet foodstuffs. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis): Originally from warmer climates, these ants prefer warm, humid environments. They can pose health risks due to their ability to spread pathogens. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Signs of an Ant Infestation
Recognising the early signs of an ant infestation can prevent more significant problems:
- Visible Trails: Ants leave pheromone trails to food sources, resulting in visible lines of ants.
- Nesting Sites: Look for small piles of earth or dirt, indicating nesting locations.
- Food Contamination: The presence of ants around food storage areas suggests contamination risks.
Risks Associated with Ant Infestations
While some ants are harmless, others can cause various issues:
- Health Risks: Certain species, like Pharaoh ants, can transmit diseases, contaminating food and surfaces.
- Structural Damage: Some ant species can cause structural damage to properties.
- Reputation Concerns: For businesses, especially in the food industry, ant infestations can harm reputation and lead to regulatory challenges.
Our Comprehensive Ant Control Approach
At Shire Pest Solutions, we employ a thorough process to ensure effective ant control:
- Inspection: Our team conducts a detailed survey to identify the ant species and locate nesting sites.
- Customised Treatment Plan: Based on the inspection, we develop a tailored strategy using safe and effective methods.
- Implementation: We apply treatments, targeting nests and entry points to eliminate the infestation.
- Monitoring and Prevention: After treatment, we monitor the situation and provide recommendations to prevent future infestations.
Why Choose Shire Pest Solutions?
Our commitment to excellence sets us apart:
- Experienced Professionals: Our technicians possess extensive experience in handling various ant species.
- Safe Practices: We prioritise the safety of your family, pets, and the environment, using eco-friendly solutions.
- Guaranteed Satisfaction: We stand by our services, offering follow-up visits if necessary to ensure complete eradication.
Contact Us for Expert Ant Control
Don’t let ants take over your property. Contact Shire Pest Solutions today for a consultation and take the first step towards an ant-free environment.
DO ANTS CARRY DISEASES?
Ants, from tiny sugar ants to larger carpenter ants, may seem harmless, but they can pose health risks. While ants don’t spread diseases the same way fleas or mosquitoes do, they can transport food-borne illnesses, such as salmonella, and even cause contamination in your home.
How Ants Cause Cross-Contamination
Ants are notorious for invading homes in search of food and water. They can easily move from unclean areas like trash cans, toilets, and kitchen sinks to food sources, spreading harmful bacteria. These include:
- Shigella
- Salmonella
- E. coli
- Staph and strep bacteria
- Clostridium
Even if your food is kept sealed, ants can still introduce bacteria, creating cross-contamination risks, especially in homes with children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems.
Ant Bites: Infections & Allergic Reactions
Ant bites can also cause serious allergic reactions. Ants inject venom when they bite, causing itching, swelling, and in some cases, infections. Fire ants, in particular, can provoke severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, if bitten multiple times. These bites can result in painful skin lesions and pose a risk of skin infections like cellulitis, especially if the skin breaks.
Request a Quote Today
Reach Us
Location :
4 Compton Close, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7HD
Email :
office@shire-pest-solutions.co.uk
Phone :
01235399073
Ant Control FAQ
1. Why do I have ants in my home?
Ants typically enter homes in search of food, water, or shelter. They are particularly attracted to sweet or greasy substances and can access even the tiniest cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and foundations.
2. Are ants dangerous to my health?
While most ants are not directly harmful, some species like Pharaoh ants can contaminate food and surfaces, potentially spreading bacteria such as Salmonella. In large numbers, ants can also aggravate allergies and cause hygiene concerns.
3. How can I tell if I have an ant infestation?
Common signs include visible ant trails, nests in walls or floors, and frequent sightings of ants in kitchens, bathrooms, or garden areas. You may also notice small piles of soil or debris near entry points.
4. What treatment options do you offer for ant infestations?
At Shire Pest Solutions, we provide targeted treatments including gel baits, barrier sprays, and dusting powders. Our experienced technicians assess the source of the infestation and apply tailored methods to eliminate the colony effectively and prevent re-entry.
5. How can I prevent ants from coming back?
Keep food sealed, clean up crumbs promptly, fix any moisture issues, and seal entry points around your home. Our team can also offer professional advice and preventative treatments to safeguard your property long-term.
More About Shire Pest Solutions
Shire Pest Solutions is a trusted and local pest control company proudly serving homes and businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond. With a reputation built on professionalism, reliability, and fast response times, we specialise in the safe and effective removal of pests including ants, wasps, rodents, bed bugs, and more.
Our expert technicians are fully qualified and equipped with the latest tools and treatments to ensure pest problems are resolved quickly and safely—without unnecessary disruption. Whether it’s a minor domestic issue or a large-scale commercial infestation, we tailor our services to meet your needs with minimal fuss and maximum effectiveness.
Based locally, we regularly assist customers in Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Our knowledge of the local area enables us to provide rapid call-outs and treatments that are suited to the unique pest challenges of each location.
At Shire Pest Solutions, we don’t just eliminate pests—we help prevent them from returning. With transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and a dedication to customer satisfaction, we are the go-to pest control provider for homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients alike.
Get in touch today to arrange a call-out or learn more about our pest control services across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.