Ants can be readily identified due to their tendency to move in organized groups known as colonies. This characteristic simplifies the task of tracing the whereabouts of a nest by simply following their well-defined path. Frequently, ant colonies are found in close proximity to aphid colonies, as ants possess a strong affinity for the sweet honeydew secreted by aphids, which explains their frequent cohabitation.

Obviously, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, try as much as possible to prevent an ant infestation. A number of tips:

• Do not leave any food remnants behind in the canteen. These will attract ants. This also applies to pet food.
• Make sure that waste bins are emptied and cleaned regularly. 
• As an option, use vinegar for cleaning. Ants hate the smell of vinegar. 
• Seal off any gaps and joints, for example with a silicone kit.  
  

Once you have found the nest you can start fighting the ants. Please note that there are products intended for professional use and products that can be used by non-professionals. Substances developed for professional use should only be used by professional pest controllers! Read below about how to best combat ants.

What makes fighting ants so difficult is that there are so many of them and that their nests are difficult to reach. Therefore, be mindful to mainly apply or place pesticides in and around their nests, but also at critical points such as doors, windows, openings, pipes and drainpipes. Particular attention should be paid to joints, cracks and crevices. You can use the following products for non-professional use:

• Bug spray: in order to cover hard-to-reach places, you can use pest/insect spray. For example, a nest behind objects or appliances that are not possible or difficult to shift (such as refrigerators or radiators). You can also spray into cracks and joints; attach the tube to the spray can top. Ants that come into contact with the spray will die quickly. 
• Ant powder: sprinkle ant powder into nest entrances and into the joints and cracks where the ants are tracking. Once they come into contact with the ant powder, the ants will die within 1 to 2 hours. The advantage of ant powder is that it sticks to the ants, causing them to take it into the nest and thus, eventually the whole colony dies. 
• Bait boxes: bait boxes are best placed in the path of an ant trail. As they walk through the box, the ant powder from the box sticks to them and it is then also taken into the nest. The advantage of an ant bait box over loose ant powder is that it is safer to use around children and pets.

Please note: since the ants take the ant powder and the material from the bait box to the nest, most ants will also die there. It is therefore normal when using ant powder and bait boxes that you will only find a few dead ants.

Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Jan-Paul de Wit will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.