Black garden ants are the most commonly seen ants in Britain, building nests under garden stones and paving slabs, as well as occasionally turning up in our houses in the summer. However, they are probably most famous for their mating flights, when swarms of winged queens and reproductive males take to the skies during the hot and humid summer weather. The males subsequently die but the queens go on to establish new colonies. These small black ants are abundant in North America, Europe and parts of Asia and enjoy a varied diet from fruit to other insects.

Did you know?
Black garden ants “milk” aphids; when prompted, aphids excrete sugar-filled honeydew in return for protection.


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