Ants
Formicidae; multiple species
Ants in the kitchen often follow a route to food. Cleaning the route helps temporarily; the entry route and type of ant determine what else you need to do.
Which ants are you seeing?
Ants have a distinctive narrow waist between the thorax and abdomen, and elbowed antennae. Colour alone cannot determine the species. Small ants that remain active indoors throughout the year warrant closer identification.
Why do ants return?
An attractive food source or entry route may remain. Follow the trail without disturbing the nest and check for sugary residues, pet food, waste and cracks.
Flying ants may be part of a mating flight. Wings alone do not tell you which species you are seeing or where the nest is.
Preventing ants without indiscriminate treatment
Remove food residues, seal stored supplies properly and clean ant trails. Have suitable cracks sealed. Outdoor ants are part of nature; not every nest requires control.
If indoor activity keeps recurring, have the species identified. Do not attempt to treat suspected Pharaoh ants without advice: an incorrect approach can make the problem more complicated.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and further information
General information, not a diagnosis for your location. Have the species identified if in doubt. Consult a healthcare professional about health symptoms and do not use pesticides without appropriate instructions.
Further reading
Help for your business
RBL Services helps business clients in Noord-Holland, Utrecht, Zuid-Holland and Flevoland. Discuss an inspection for your business premises, kitchen, production site or homeowners’ association.
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