Recent research has shown that injured ants can send out a distress call. This army-like behaviour of rescuing mates has been observed in ants when they raid termite mounds. The injured ant releases a pheromone secretion which acts as distress call. This sounds like a heroic tale from a classic wartime movie. “Leave no ant behind”, the rescue of an injured warrior on the battlefield, so that they can fight another day.

Researchers have found that a termite-eating species of ant, called Megaponera analis, carries wounded compatriots back from the field. This is behaviour you don’t expect to see in ants. Moreover, you always imagine an individual ant as having no value for the colony. However, the new research shows that “the good of the individual is for the good of the colony.”

Leave no ant behind. How to combat ants in your home.

The Black Garden Ant, which is actually very dark brown, is the commonest house invader.

All ants have three main divisions of the body (head, thorax, abdomen). The  distinct sections are separated by very narrow waists. In addition, Black Garden Ants have a sharp elbow joint in their antennae.

Ants are highly organised social insects. Initially, it is the foraging worker ants that invade buildings in search of food. These ants are from 3 to 5mm in length.  They are attracted to sweet foodstuffs which they take back to the nest to feed to the larvae and queen.

The so-called ‘ant’s eggs’ sold for aquaria fish are actually the pupae. Flying ants are the reproductive males and females. These mating ants are winged and have a nuptial swarming flight during only a few days in July or August. Mating takes place in the air and the female then seeks out a nest site where she stays for the winter, laying eggs the following spring in order to start up a new colony.

In conclusion, the pestcontrol.me.uk technicians are experienced in the control of ant infestations. Contact us for an effective and discreet service.