10 household pests and how to deal with them

Ants

What? The type most commonly seen indoors is the black garden ant. Flying ants are mating males and females setting up new colonies.

When? April to October, peaking in July and August.

Where? They often make nests close to the house under paving, patios or in plant pots. And they're attracted to food, particularly if it's sticky and sugary.

Prevention? Clean up spills and store open food and drink in the fridge.

Action: If there are large numbers, follow the line of ants back to the nest entrance and pour a kettleful of boiling water over it. If the nest is hard to find, spray them with an insecticide that's carried back to the nest.

Useful product: Nippon Ant Killer Liquid, £1.65. Available from vitax.co.uk

Did you know? An ant can carry up to 20 times it's own weight in it's jaws.