The common Black Garden Ant (lasius niger) usually emerges in the Spring but the exact timing will be affected by climate. Ants thrive in sandy soil conditions on the sunny side of buildings and the Eastern Seaboard of Ireland would appear to provide excellent conditions for Ant colonies to thrive.
They are harmless but are a nuisance nonetheless. They are highly attracted to sweetened substances like cereals, preserves, soft drinks and the like and travel in great numbers from their harbourage to the site of the food source. The harbourage itself could be located in the foundations of the house but sand based patios and decking are also favourable sites.
As the ant matures, they grow wings and take flight. This is the start of the mating season and they mate on the wing. This phenomenon can be quite off-putting so it is always best to have ant treatments carried out as soon as they first appear in the early stages of development.
The use of ant powder can be unsightly so we prefer to use water based insecticides and gel baits. They don’t smell or taint surfaces and the ‘slow release’ compounds provide sufficient time for the ants to return to their harbourage and contaminate it. This eradicates the Queen Ant and ends the breeding process. More than one treatment may be required.