Ants

The most common garden ant species are: garden (or black) ant (Lasius niger L.); black tree ant (Lasius fuliginosus Latr.). These ants belong to the group of biting ants (the other group are stinging ants).

Why it is a pest?

They dig up the soil in lawns, greenhouses and gardens, causing it to dry out quickly.
By digging up the soil, they dislodge the paving stones.
They cause discomfort by irritating human skin and biting ⎯ multiple bites are possible.
They spoil and contaminate food.
They transfer viruses and other micro-organisms from infected plants to healthy ones.
They distribute and preserve aphids, a pest of garden and horticultural plants.
They are damaging to the image of the owner of the site or facility.

Which areas are relevant?

Home
Offices
Land management and maintenance sector
Food industry
Storage areas for foodstuffs and their raw materials
Catering establishments
Accommodation service companies
Hospitals and other health facilities

What do they harm and who do they harm?

Garden, kitchen garden and greenhouse plants
Paths in gardens, playgrounds and recreation areas
Pavements
Corporate image

Key attributes

Garden ants are communal insects that live in large colonies; they consist of queens, female workers and. They are wingless insects. Only when mating do males and females have two pairs of membrane wings.
The colour ranges from brown or dark brown, with a slight sheen or matt.
Adult life expectancy is between 4 months and 1 year. Female workers live for 2⎯3 years, queens for ⎯15⎯20 years.
They kill larvae, adults and eggs of other pests.
Oral organs are gnawing.
They are omnivores, but are fond of sweet products: nectar, aphid secretions. Small insects, their larvae and eggs contribute protein to the diet.

PEST CONTROL involves the protection of human health, property and food resources from unwanted harmful organisms ⎯ pests.