The Rise of Brown Ants

At Avon Pest Control, we have seen an increase in call outs over the last few years from homeowners in the Midlands experiencing a brown ant (Lasius brunneus) pest problem. Brown ants are a nuisance when they find their way into your property and can become problematic.

Brown Ant Life Cycle

The lifecycle of Brown ants, like many other ant species, goes through a metamorphosis in four distinct physical development stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

1. Egg: After mating, the queen ant lays eggs, which are tiny, white/ transparent and oval-shaped, and will hatch between 7 to 14 days. Male ants develop from unfertilised eggs, and females from fertilised eggs.
2. Larvae: The eggs hatch into larvae, which are worm-like in appearance. Larvae grow tiny hooked hairs, which enable the workers to carry the larvae from place to place. This is important as the larvae lack eyes and legs at this stage. Larvae are fed and cared for by adult worker ants.
3. Pupae: As the larvae mature, they form cocoons around themselves and transform into pupae. During this stage, the pupae undergo metamorphosis, and their bodies change into the form of an adult ant, developing antennae and legs.
4. Adult: After around 6 to 10 weeks, the adult ants emerge from the pupal stage, ready to take on their role in the colony. Workers will forage for food, care for the queen and young, and defend the colony. The queen’s role is to lay eggs and keep the colony growing.

The lifespan of ants in the UK can vary depending on the species. Most male ants die after mating, worker ants survive for several months, while the queen can live for decades if the environmental conditions are optimal.

Why Pest Control Brown Ants?

Brown ants require careful management to prevent damage to your property. Brown ants can burrow into internal timbers and cause structural damage to homes and buildings.They can spread within your building structure and may also damage electrical wiring, insulation, and other materials. They swarm particularly early in the year which is a key identifier of this species.

As well as property damage concerns, there are health considerations to take into account. While Brown ants do not pose a direct health threat to humans, they can contaminate food and surfaces in homes and commercial kitchens, making them unhygienic.

How can I prevent Brown Ants getting into My Home?

1. Keep food and surfaces clean: Ants are attracted to food, so it’s important to keep your home clean and free of crumbs, spills, and other food debris. Wash dishes and countertops regularly, and store food in airtight containers.
2. Seal entry points: Ants can enter your home through small cracks and crevices, so it’s important to seal these openings. Use silicone caulk to fill any gaps around windows, doors, and pipes.
3. Use apple vinegar solution: Mix equal parts water, and apple cider vinegar https://homeguides.sfgate.com/rid-ants-apple-vinegar-74243.html , and spray this solution in areas where ants are entering your home. The vinegar masks the ant’s scent trail, making it harder for them to find their way back.

Avon Pest Control recommend calling in Pest Control experts if you have discovered an ant problem, as they are notoriously difficult to manage once they have found their way in.

Brown Ants threatening your home? Call Avon Pest Control today for targeted, effective ant management.