Ants are very adaptable and can survive and flourish in habitats as diverse as arctic and tropical regions to deserts and wet lands. This ability to conform to their surroundings has resulted in some 10,000 species worldwide. Living in colonies with several queens to each, in insect terms, ants can be considered long lived, with worker ants surviving up to 7 years and a queen living for as long as 15 years.
By far and away the most common ant experienced in the UK is the Black Garden Ant. At around 4mm long for Worker ants and up to 10mm long for the Queens, they can as the name suggests, be commonly be found in gardens, although they will happily find their way into housing when foraging for food.
Mating takes place in July and mid September. After mating the male dies and the females go on to shed their wings before burrowing into the soil for the winter, producing eggs in early spring.
Treatment is usually in the form of a residual insecticide which is normally applied to entrances to the nest. This treatment can be extended to cover the access points to buildings etc around the doors, windows as well as wall/floor junctions within the property. Where habitual problems persist, it is best to start treatment in the late spring. As with most insects, foodstuffs should be suitably stored both to protect the product and to avoid attracting the ants into the property.
For further information or advice, details on charges, and for arranging treatment, please contact the Pest Control Section.
For Financial Year 2024/25, the charge for carrying out treatments is £108, however Gulls/Pigeons/Birds (misc) and Bed Bugs as well as some larger insect infestations require a Pest Control Officer to visit to determine the best course of treatment and a price will be discussed at that time.
An uplift of an animal carcass is £48 for financial year 2024/25.
If you wish to proceed to book a treatment please request it online.
Email: pest.control@dundeecity.gov.uk
Tel: 01382 436288 or
Tel: 01382 434343 (emergency call-out May to September)