The Garden or Black Ant (Lasius niger) and The Tropical/Pharaoh’s Ant (Monomorium pharaonis) are the 2 most common variety of Ant encountered in the UK.

The Garden Ant is brown/black and around 3-5mm in size whilst the Pharaoh’s Ant is only 2mm in size and are yellow/brown in colour.

The Garden Ant tends to stay around garden areas and do not require particular conditions. Whilst the Pharaoh’s Ant need a much warmer environment, so they tend to nest around Flats, Hospitals, flats & hotels.

Both species are sociable insects that live in working colonies searching for food.

The Garden Ant is Harmless and do not carry disease.

The Pharaoh’s Ant however is known for carrying diseases such as E. Coli, streptococcus, shigella, and salmonella due to living around Hospitals and picking up diseases as they come into contact with the likes of food waste, drains and faecal matter.

Pharaoh’s Ants love to nest in junction boxes in order to be warm and isolated. However, this can cause electrical damage & power surges, resulting in electrical fires or power outages.

The Garden Ant can be a nuisance on lawns and to low-growing plants as they disturb the soil. They may also disturb plant roots in pots and containers.