When it comes to choosing property we could learn a thing or two from ants. My children were fascinated to hear an item on the local news this week about research which has been carried out at nearby Bristol University into the way ants go about finding a new home. “It says they are like estate agents Mum” said the thoughtful one “but actually they do what you do!”

It does seem to be the case that when a colony needs to move they send out scouts who instinctively know what makes a nest a suitable home for the colony. (Clients, take note!)These ant relocation agents then report back, show the nest to the rest of the colony and when a sizeable number are in agreement the move occurs. Genius. Apparently in making the decision they also “survey” the potential new nest, checking dimensions and cleanliness.

Unlike us however, ants do not have to visit umpteen nests in order to decide on which offers the best option. If the first one they visit ticks all the boxes then that’s the one they go for. Wouldn’t life be simple if only we would do the same.