Ant Pest Control: Why Ants Start Appearing in March and What You Should Do
As temperatures begin to rise in March across the UK, many homeowners and businesses start noticing an increase in ant activity. Warmer weather signals the start of the ant foraging season, which means worker ants begin leaving their nests in search of food.
One of the most common places they end up is inside kitchens and food preparation areas. In this guide we explain why ants appear in spring, the risks they pose around food preparation areas, what you can do to avoid attracting them, and when it’s time to call a professional ant pest control service.
Why Ants Start Appearing in Spring
During the colder winter months, ant colonies remain largely dormant underground. As temperatures increase in early spring, colonies become active again and worker ants begin searching for food to support the colony.
Ants are particularly attracted to:
sugary foods
food crumbs
grease residues
pet food
moisture sources
Once a worker ant finds food inside a property, it leaves a scent trail that allows other ants to follow the same route. This is why a small number of ants can quickly turn into a steady stream appearing in the same location.
The most common species encountered in UK homes is the Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger), although other species can also occasionally enter buildings.
The Risks of Ants Around Food Preparation Areas
Although ants are small, they can pose hygiene concerns when they enter kitchens and food preparation areas.
Ants travel through soil, drains, and outdoor environments before entering a building. When they move across food surfaces or preparation areas, they can potentially contaminate food.
Key risks include:
Food Contamination
Ants can transfer bacteria from contaminated surfaces to food preparation areas.
Food Spoilage
Ants are attracted to sweet and sugary foods. Once they discover a food source, they can quickly contaminate stored products.
Damage to Business Reputation
For food businesses such as restaurants, cafés, bakeries, or food production factories, visible ant activity can damage customer confidence and lead to negative reviews.
Compliance Issues
Food businesses must comply with food hygiene regulations, which require effective pest prevention and management.
Even a small pest issue can become a serious problem if it affects inspection results.
How to Get Rid of Ants: Practical Steps You Can Take
If you’ve started seeing ants around your property, there are several simple steps that can help reduce the likelihood of them entering your home or business.
1. Remove Food Sources
Ants are highly motivated by food. Removing easily accessible food sources can make your property far less attractive to foraging ants.
Good practices include:
wiping kitchen worktops regularly
storing food in sealed containers
cleaning up crumbs and spills quickly
keeping bins sealed and emptied regularly
2. Keep Kitchens Clean
Ants often find their way inside because of small food residues that are easy to miss.
Focus on cleaning areas such as:
behind appliances
under cupboards and kickboards
along skirting boards
around bin storage areas
Even small grease deposits or sugary residues can attract ants.
3. Seal Entry Points
Ants can enter buildings through very small gaps.
Check for openings around:
door thresholds
window frames
pipe entry points
cracks in brickwork
gaps around flooring or skirting boards
Sealing these entry points can significantly reduce access.
4. Manage Outdoor Nesting Areas
Ant nests are commonly located outside properties in places such as:
paving slabs
patios
garden borders
wall foundations
Keeping these areas well maintained can help reduce the likelihood of ants moving indoors.
When Should You Call a Professional Ant Pest Control Service?
Occasional ants entering a property may not always require professional treatment. However, there are several signs that indicate it’s time to call a pest control specialist.
You should consider professional ant pest control if:
ants are repeatedly appearing in your kitchen
you see clear trails of ants inside the building
ants are emerging from walls or flooring
the infestation continues despite cleaning efforts
ants are present in a food preparation environment
Ant colonies can contain thousands of individuals, and simply removing visible ants rarely solves the underlying problem.
Professional treatment focuses on eliminating the source of the infestation rather than just the ants you can see.
How Professional Ant Pest Control Works
A professional pest control technician will begin with a thorough inspection of the property to determine:
the species of ant involved
where the ants are entering the building
the level of infestation
Once the source has been identified, the technician will apply targeted treatment designed to eliminate the colony.
Professional ant control methods often include:
Targeted Ant Baits
Specialist bait products are placed in areas where ants are active. Worker ants carry the bait back to the nest, where it is shared with the rest of the colony, eventually eliminating it.
Residual Treatments
In some situations, treatments may also be applied to entry points or nesting areas to prevent further ants entering the building.
Preventative Advice
A professional technician will also provide guidance on preventing future infestations.
You can learn more about our dedicated ant pest control service here.
Why Food Businesses Should Take a Proactive Approach
For businesses handling food, preventing pest problems is always better than reacting to them.
Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and other food premises face a higher risk of attracting insects due to the constant presence of food and waste.
This is why many businesses choose to implement proactive pest management through a pest control service contract.
Regular pest inspections can help:
identify early signs of pest activity
reduce the risk of infestations
support food hygiene compliance
protect business reputation
A professional pest control contract ensures that potential problems are detected and managed before they escalate.
If your business handles food, you can learn more about commercial pest control contracts here:
Need Help With Ants in Your Kitchen?
If you’re noticing ants in your kitchen or around food preparation areas, it’s important to address the issue quickly before the colony becomes established.
At The Pest Company, our experienced technicians provide professional ant pest control services for homes and businesses across multiple regions of the UK.
We will:
identify the source of the infestation
apply targeted professional treatments
provide practical advice to prevent ants returning
If you’re dealing with ants or want expert advice on how to get rid of ants effectively, our team is ready to help.
👉 Contact The Pest Company today to arrange a professional ant pest control visit:
https://www.thepestcompany.co.uk/contact/
