Garden ants – a common pest in homes, gardens and commercial areas

Garden ants – a common pest in homes, gardens and commercial areas

Garden ants (Lasius niger) are one of the most common ant species in Europe. They form large colonies, spread quickly and can cause significant sanitary and structural issues in both residential and commercial environments.

Adult ants are 3–5 mm long, black or dark brown. Queens are significantly larger and can live up to 15 years, making colonies highly persistent.

Why are garden ants dangerous?

1. Food contamination

Ants contaminate:

• kitchen surfaces
• food products
• stored goods
• sweet and sticky substances

They transfer microorganisms from outdoor environments to food.

2. Rapid colony expansion

Garden ants:

• build nests under floors, in wall voids and under paving
• create multiple satellite colonies
• spread quickly through building structures

A single colony may contain thousands of ants.

3. Property damage

Ants can:

• lift paving stones and patios
• damage garden areas and root systems
• create tunnels under floors and foundations
• attract aphids that damage plants

4. Reputational risk for businesses

Ants are especially problematic in:

• restaurants
• food production facilities
• warehouses
• hotels and offices

Their presence can lead to HACCP and BRC compliance issues.

Where are garden ants most commonly found?

Garden ants prefer environments with:

• warmth
• moisture
• accessible food sources

They are most commonly found:

• in gardens and lawns
• on terraces and paved areas
• in kitchens and food storage areas
• inside walls and floor structures
• in warehouses and production facilities
• in office spaces

How to identify a garden ant infestation?

Signs:

• visible ant trails on floors or along walls
• ants near food or waste
• small piles of sand near skirting boards or paving
• nests in the garden, under stones or terraces
• winged ants visible during summer

If ants are seen regularly, the colony is usually already active.

Why should garden ant control be done professionally?

Garden ants are highly resilient, and household methods typically only affect visible ants, not the colony or queen. This results in short-term effects.

BAUME provides:

• professional site inspection
• targeted pest control using certified products
• gel baiting and barrier treatment methods
• complete colony elimination, not just visible ants
• ULV cold fogging when necessary
• long-term prevention and monitoring

We deliver solutions that ensure long-lasting and complete results.

How do garden ants enter buildings?

Most commonly:

• through gaps in doors and windows
• through cracks in foundations
• with soil, plants or garden materials
• through building utilities and коммуникации
• from neighboring properties

Ants can enter through very small openings, so prevention is essential.

BAUME – professional garden ant control

We provide:

• effective ant extermination
• safe solutions for people and pets
• pest control for private and commercial clients
• long-term prevention and monitoring
• fast response and professional communication

Garden ant problems can be fully resolved with a professional approach and the right methods.