GARDEN ANT - COMMON BLACK ANT
(Lasius niger)
Size, Shape and Colour: 2-3mm in length, this common ant has a large head and narrow thorax, the legs
are of reasonable length. Antennae is elbowed and they are a glossy black in colour.
Biology: To start with the queen ant will lay a initial batch of eggs, batches vary in amounts, around 3-4
weeks later grubs will hatch, following this 3 weeks later the larvae mature, finally 2 weeks after pupation
the adult ants emerge.
In the late summer winged and mature males will proceed to leave the nest and mate. They mate on wing,
hence flying ant swarms. The males will die off, however the females will seek new nest sites. Ants nests
can contain many thousands, these social pests follow a strict chain of command within a colony tending to
various functions.
Preferred Foods: Sweet spillages, although outside of human habitations they have a wide food range which
may include much organic matter. (see picture below)
Garden Ants feeding on an earth worm
Habitat: Due to them being a common ant the areas of activity are never far from human dwellings,they
will enter most buildings to search for a food source sometimes in large numbers.
Nests can sometimes be in very inaccessible areas within the fabric of the building, small defects such as
cracks, pipes & cable holes provide these ants with ideal entry points to properties.
Control Measures: Challenge Services will be happy to provide practical advice and discuss which method
of treatment would be most suitable for your premises. If you require any further information or a quotation simply call us on the freephone number below.
CHALLENGE 24 HOUR PEST CONTROL SERVICES 0800 612 6965