Crawling around
a house near you
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It's one of
the most sought after items this summer and if you don't hurry you'll
miss out - and potentially be left with a creepy crawly problem.
We're talking about ant spray and ant powder.
Apparently there's
an ant explosion in Notts and hardware stores are rapidly running
out of one of the chief weapons against the insect (other than your
foot).
So if you can't
find any spray what can you do to get rid of the beasties?
Who you gonna call?
You
could try calling in your local council, but beware, some won't
send anybody to deal with a nasty nest and others will charge you.
Here are some
helpful numbers:-
Gedling
Borough Council |
Tel:- 0115
901 3836 / 3837 |
They don't
send anyone if there's a problem but they have got a leaflet
you can request on the number above. |
Bassetlaw
District Council |
Tel:- 01909
533533 and ask for Pest Control |
They only
send out if the ants are in your home. OAPs in council homes
are treated free but those in their own home are charged £13.50.
Everyone else is charged £26 with business charged £34. |
Rushcliffe
Borough Council |
Tel:- 0115
981 9911 x 524 |
It's £35
for a home visit. They have a . |
Ashfield
District Council |
Tel:- 01623
457284 |
They don't
treat for ants but they do issue a leaflet or you can . |
Mansfield
District Council |
Tel:- 01623
463189 |
They offer
advice and leaflets but won't come out to help. |
Broxtowe
Borough Council |
Tel:- 0115
917 7777 x 3485 |
They advise
you to carry out your own ant removal but do have a pest control
officer to give advice on the number above. |
Nottingham
City Council |
Telephone
Helpline:- 0115 915 6123 / 6224 |
They will
only come out for the elderly (best to 'phone the help desk). |
Don't encourage
them
Ants like sweet food products so:-
- Keep cupboards,
shelves and work surfaces clean.
- Make sure
food containers, like jam jars, are firmly closed and the lids
clean.
Stopping
them entering the house
Being little creatures, ants can squeeze through just about
anything so extra time needs to be taken sealing all cracks and
gaps in the home.
Common access
areas are around skirting boards, cracks in the floor/wall and around
windows.
Put the insecticides
around these areas but ensure you follow the instructions and don't
use near any foodstuffs.
If you find
a nest
You can normally locate a nest by following a trail of worker
ants.
Once it's been
located, treat it with a suitable insecticide (if you can find one).
If you can't
find any, you could pour boiling hot water over the nest. It'll
control the nest occupants...but only for a short time.
Where are
they?
Help us determine the worst spots in Notts for ants. If you've
been overrun by them let us know where they are so we can create
a map of ant infestations.
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