Close-up of black ants feeding on sugar granules on a kitchen counter

Ants

Call us for a free quote on +27 875 502 498  or Contact Us

For business customers contact us on +27 875 502 497  or email us

SAPCA Registered, Certified and Experienced Pest Technicians

12 Local Branches across South Africa for nationwide coverage

Protecting businesses and homes in South Africa from Pests for 50 Years

Expert Ant Control & Prevention Services

While most ant species prefer sunny climates, making our environment perfect for them to thrive, they don't belong in your kitchen. Ants are persistent foragers that can contaminate food, damage property, and disrupt your daily life.


Whether you are dealing with a minor nuisance or a full-blown colony takeover, we provide the insights and professional solutions you need to reclaim your space.

Why Ants Are a Hygiene Risk

It is a common misconception that black or garden ants are harmless. While they may not carry specific diseases in the same way mosquitoes do, they are a significant hygiene risk.

1. Cross-Contamination

Ants frequently travel through unsanitary areas (drains, waste bins, and soil) before marching across your countertops.

2. Food Spoilage

Once ants breach food cupboards, they can contaminate ingredients, requiring you to dispose of expensive groceries.

3. Pathogens

By tracking bacteria from outside sources onto food preparation surfaces, they pose a health risk to your family or employees.

Signs of an Ant Infestation

Did you spot the warning signs?

Ants travel widely in search of resources. If you notice one, there are likely thousands more nearby. Look for these key indicators:

How to Get Rid of Ants: Practical Steps

If you have spotted signs of activity, immediate action is required. Follow these steps to deter ants from settling in your home.

1. Sanitation and Storage

  • Clear Sticky Residues: Wipe down worktops immediately after spills. Ants are highly attracted to sugar and sweet liquids.
  • Secure Foodstuffs: Store food in airtight containers. Do not leave crumbs or pet food out overnight.
  • Manage Waste: Ensure internal and external bins have tightly sealed lids.

2. Exclusion (Block the Entry)

  • Seal Access Points: Track down where the trail enters the building and seal cracks in walls, windows, and doors.
  • Barrier Sprays: Use DIY products to create a perimeter barrier (though this is often a temporary fix).

3. Professional Elimination

If you have tried the steps above and the ants keep returning, the colony is likely too established for DIY methods.

DIY sprays fail. We don't. Contact us for total colony elimination.

Our Pest Control Technicians offer:

  • Targeted treatments for specific species.
  • Methods that are safe for use around families and pets.
  • Long-term prevention strategies to stop recurrence.

Common Ant Species Guide

Identifying the ant is the first step to successful control. We specialize in treating the following species found in our region:

Find your local branch

Frequently Asked Questions about Ants


  • Are Flying Ants Termites?

    No, flying ants and termite swarmers are distinct pests. Flying ants have narrow, pinched waists, bent antennae, and unequal wing lengths. Termites have straight waists, straight antennae, and four wings of equal length. Because mistaken identification leads to costly property damage, Rentokil’s SAPCA-certified technicians provide expert inspection to ensure targeted treatment.


  • Why Do Ants Come Inside When It Rains?

    Yes, Ants can enter buildings during heavy rainfall because water floods their underground nests and trails. Seeking dry shelter, food, and elevated ground, ant colonies move indoors through tiny foundation cracks, wall gaps, and door thresholds until exterior ground conditions dry out and stabilize.


  • Do Ants Bite or Sting?

    Yes, certain ant species can bite or sting when threatened. Fire ants deliver a painful ant sting that injects venom, while other species cause an uncomfortable ant bite using mandibles before spraying acid. Rentokil’s SAPCA-certified technicians safely eliminate aggressive nests from residential gardens and commercial properties.


  • How Do I Find an Ant Nest?

    Locating an ant nest involves tracking worker ants back along their scent trails while they transport food. Look near damp soil, under pavers, inside decaying wood, or along wall cavities. Following returning workers leads directly to the main colony, allowing for targeted nest destruction.

Locations


Find your local branch

Western Cape

Eastern Cape

KwaZulu Natal

Free State

Gauteng

Mpumalanga

Limpopo

Contact


Call your local branch

between 8am - 4h 30pm

Residential: +27875502498
WhatsApp chat: 082 379 2686
Commercial: +27875502497

or fill out your details and we will call you back

Login