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Ants

Home Ants

 

Ants on a surface

Have an ant problem?

Ants are one of the most common pests across the UK. Whether it’s a trail through the kitchen, activity around skirting boards, or flying ants during warmer months, infestations can grow quickly once a colony has access to food and water.

Get in touch!

Professional Ant Control Services in the UK

Ants can be frustrating and persistent — especially once a colony finds a reliable food source indoors. At Shire Pest Solutions, we provide targeted ant control for homes and businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond, helping you eliminate the colony and reduce the chance of re-entry.

Quick tip: If you can see a trail, avoid spraying random cleaners on it. Many ants follow scent trails — correct treatment focuses on the colony, not just the visible workers.

Common Ant Species You May See in the UK

Correct identification matters because different species respond better to different treatments:

  • Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger) – common in gardens and kitchens, attracted to sweet foods.
  • Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis) – indoor pest that can spread through warm buildings and contaminate surfaces.
  • Ghost Ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum) – small pale ants often found in heated indoor environments.
  • Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile) – forms large colonies; can become a serious ongoing issue.
  • Yellow Meadow Ant (Lasius flavus) – usually outdoors; activity often seen around lawn mounds.

Signs of an Ant Infestation

  • Visible trails leading to cupboards, bins, pet bowls, or food prep areas.
  • Frequent sightings in kitchens, bathrooms, or around skirting boards.
  • Nesting indicators such as small piles of soil/debris near cracks or paving edges.
  • Flying ants appearing indoors (often during mating season).

Our Ant Treatment Options

We tailor the approach based on where the ants are nesting, how established the colony is, and whether it’s a domestic or commercial environment.

  • Gel baits – ideal for drawing worker ants back to the colony for a full knockdown.
  • Barrier sprays – helps reduce entry routes and indoor activity.
  • Dusting powders – useful for voids, cracks, and harder-to-reach nesting areas.

How to Reduce the Risk of Ants Returning

  • Keep food sealed and wipe down surfaces (especially sugary spills).
  • Fix moisture issues and leaks that attract ants seeking water.
  • Seal cracks around doors, windows, and service pipe entry points.
  • Keep outdoor bins secure and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

Need Help Fast?

If you’re dealing with ongoing trails, repeat flying ant activity, or infestations in a commercial premises, contact Shire Pest Solutions and we’ll advise the best next step.

Black ants
Black Ants
Pharaoh ants
Pharaoh Ants
Argentine ants
Argentine Ants
Flying ants
Flying Ants
Ghost ants
Ghost Ants
Field ants
Field Ants
Carpenter ants
Carpenter Ants
Odorous house ants
Odorous House Ants
Pavement ants
Pavement Ants
Thief ants
Thief Ants
 
 

Ant Control FAQ

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 foodborne 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 allergic reactions. Ants inject venom when they bite, causing itching and swelling and, in some cases, secondary infections. Fire ants, in particular, can provoke severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, if bitten multiple times. These bites can result in painful skin lesions and increase the risk of skin infections such as cellulitis if the skin breaks.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While it’s extremely difficult to completely eradicate a flying ant infestation, it is possible to significantly reduce their numbers and control their presence, especially indoors. Completely eliminating every single flying ant from a large area, like a garden, is unlikely — but you can effectively manage the problem. Need more information? Shire Pest Solutions can help you.

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.