Ant Control
& Treatment
Professional ant treatment for homes and businesses across the North West. From black garden ant trails to ghost ant infestations in kitchens and flying ant swarms — we identify the species and apply the right treatment to eliminate the colony at source.
Ant Species Found in North West Homes & Businesses
Not all ant infestations are the same. Correctly identifying the species is essential for choosing the right treatment — a gel bait that works well for ghost ants may be completely ineffective for black garden ants, and vice versa. The most common ant species encountered in the North West are:
Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger)
The most common ant species in the UK. Black garden ants nest outdoors in lawns, under paving, and at the base of walls, and forage indoors in search of sweet food sources. They are typically seen in kitchens and food storage areas from late spring through to early autumn. Flying ants — the winged reproductive males and queens — emerge from garden ant colonies on warm, humid days in July and August.
Ghost Ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum)
A small tropical species that has established itself in centrally heated buildings across the UK. Ghost ants are very small (1.5mm), pale-coloured, and difficult to see. They nest inside wall voids, under flooring, and behind skirting boards, and are strongly attracted to sweet and greasy foods. They are particularly common in flats, apartments, and commercial kitchens.
Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis)
A serious pest in hospitals, care homes, and large commercial buildings. Pharaoh ants are small (2mm), yellow-brown, and nest in warm, inaccessible voids throughout a building. They are a significant hygiene risk as they forage in wound dressings, IV lines, and food preparation areas. Pharaoh ant infestations are notoriously difficult to treat and require a specialist approach — incorrect treatment causes the colony to split and spread.
Roger's Ant (Hypoponera punctatissima)
An increasingly common species in heated buildings. Roger's ants are small, reddish-brown, and nest in warm, moist environments such as compost heaps, under flooring, and in wall cavities. They are wingless and reproduce year-round indoors.
Signs of an Ant Infestation
Why DIY Ant Treatment Often Fails
Supermarket ant powders and sprays kill the ants you can see, but they rarely reach the queen or the core of the colony. Without eliminating the queen, the colony will simply produce more workers and the infestation will continue. For ghost ants and pharaoh ants, using the wrong product can cause the colony to split into multiple satellite colonies, making the problem significantly worse. Professional treatment uses species-specific gel baits and residual insecticides that are carried back to the nest by foraging workers, killing the queen and eliminating the colony from within.
Our Ant Treatment Process
Species Identification & Survey
Our technician identifies the ant species present — this is critical because the treatment approach differs significantly between species. We locate nest sites, assess the extent of the infestation, and identify entry points and food sources.
Targeted Gel Bait Application
For most indoor ant species, we apply professional-grade insecticidal gel bait at foraging sites and along ant trails. Foraging workers carry the bait back to the nest and share it with the queen and other colony members, eliminating the colony from within. This is far more effective than contact sprays.
Residual Insecticide Treatment
Where appropriate, we apply a residual insecticide to nest sites, entry points, and foraging routes. This provides ongoing protection and kills ants that contact treated surfaces over the following weeks.
Nest Treatment (Outdoor Colonies)
For garden ant nests in lawns, under paving, or at the base of walls, we apply a targeted insecticide directly to the nest entrance. This is the most effective approach for eliminating outdoor colonies.
Proofing Advice
We advise on practical measures to prevent re-infestation — sealing entry points, improving food storage, and addressing moisture issues that attract ants. For persistent problems, we can carry out structural proofing works.
Flying Ants: What You Need to Know
Flying ant day — or more accurately, flying ant season — occurs each summer when black garden ant colonies release their winged reproductive males and queens to mate. This typically happens on warm, humid days in July and August, and can involve very large numbers of flying ants emerging simultaneously from multiple nests across a neighbourhood.
Flying ants entering a building through open windows or doors are a nuisance but are not a sign of a nest inside the property — they are simply following light and warmth. However, if flying ants are consistently emerging from inside your property, from under floorboards, from wall cavities, or from around window frames, this indicates a nest within the building structure that should be treated.
Country Pest Solutions can treat active garden ant nests before flying ant season to prevent swarms, and can treat nests within buildings where flying ants are emerging indoors.
Pharaoh Ants in a Food Business?
Pharaoh ants in commercial kitchens, restaurants, and care homes are a serious food safety issue. Our guide to cockroach and pest control for food businesses explains the legal obligations and why professional treatment is essential.
Read: Pest Control for Restaurants & TakeawaysAnt Problem? Call Now
Fast, professional ant treatment for homes and businesses across the North West. We identify the species and eliminate the colony at source.
01744 382 48207935 550 169Free Quote FormQuick Answers
Do you treat flying ants?
Yes. We treat active garden ant nests before flying ant season and treat nests inside buildings where flying ants are emerging indoors.
How long does treatment take to work?
Gel bait treatments typically show results within 1–2 weeks as foraging workers carry the bait back to the queen. Outdoor nest treatments are faster — usually 24–48 hours.
Will ants come back after treatment?
Professional treatment eliminates the colony, not just the visible workers. Re-infestation from a new colony is possible, particularly in summer. We advise on proofing measures to reduce the risk.
Ants taking over? We'll sort it.
Professional ant treatment that eliminates the colony at source — not just the workers you can see. Call Country Pest Solutions for fast, effective treatment across the North West.