Understanding Ants in Milton Keynes – How They Nest, Reproduce & What Species to Watch For
Ants are one of the most common household pests in the UK, especially during warmer months. If you’re dealing with an infestation in your home or garden in Milton Keynes, knowing how ants live, breed, and nest can help you understand how to prevent and eliminate them effectively. At Milton Keynes Pest Control, we’re here to help with both knowledge and fast, reliable treatments.
How Many Eggs Can an Ant Lay?
An ant queen is capable of laying thousands of eggs over her lifetime. In fact, some species can lay up to 800–1,500 eggs per day during peak season. Once a colony is well established, the queen’s sole focus is egg production, while worker ants care for the larvae and maintain the nest.
Where Do Ants Build Their Nests?
Ants build their nests in a variety of locations, depending on the species. In urban areas like Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Newport Pagnell, Wolverton, and Leighton Buzzard, they are often found:
- Under patio slabs and block paving
- Inside wall cavities or floorboards
- Beneath lawns or garden borders
- Around the foundations of buildings
The nests are built from soil, sand, or small particles and have a network of tunnels and chambers. Some ants use pheromones to mark trails and communicate nest locations to other colony members.
How Do Ants Build Their Nests?
Worker ants excavate soil or other soft materials to create tunnels. They remove debris, carry it out, and structure the chambers where eggs, larvae, and food are stored. The nest is kept at a controlled temperature and humidity, which helps the colony thrive.
How Many Ant Species Are There in the UK?
There are over 50 species of ants in the UK, but only a few commonly invade homes and gardens. Some prefer nesting outdoors, while others can live entirely inside buildings, especially during wet or hot conditions.
Most Common Ants Found in Milton Keynes & Surrounding Areas
- Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger) – The most common species, often seen forming long trails on patios and inside kitchens.
- Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis) – A tropical species that can live indoors all year round. Very small and hard to spot.
- Red Ants (Myrmica rubra) – Found in gardens and grassy areas. Known for painful stings if disturbed.
- Yellow Meadow Ant (Lasius flavus) – Mostly found in lawns and meadows; rarely enters homes but builds visible mounds.
Why Ants Are a Problem for Homeowners
Although ants aren’t dangerous in most cases, they can become a serious nuisance, particularly when nests are located inside your home or close to entry points. Ants are attracted to sweet foods, moisture, and waste bins — and once they find a food source, they won’t stop coming.
Ant Control in Milton Keynes and Nearby Towns
If you’re dealing with ants in your home or garden in Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Dunstable, Newport Pagnell, Wolverton, Buckingham or any surrounding area, Milton Keynes Pest Control can help. We use safe, long-lasting treatments to eliminate nests and prevent them from returning.
Click here to contact us and book an Ant Control Today.
Q: How many eggs can an ant queen lay in the UK?
A: Depending on the species, an ant queen can lay up to 1,500 eggs per day, helping the colony grow rapidly.
Q: Where do ants build nests in UK homes and gardens?
A: Common places include under patios, in lawns, behind skirting boards, and inside wall cavities.
