How Pest Professionals Stop Ants from Coming Into the House

If there’s one thing Aussie homeowners know too well, it’s that ants don’t wait for an invitation. They march straight in like they own the place. From kitchen benches to bathroom tiles and sneaky trails along skirting boards, ants can become a problem fast.

So how do pest professionals actually stop ants from coming into the house? And more importantly, how can you prevent ants in your house, keep ants away, and deter ants long-term?

Here’s the step-by-step approach used by experienced pest technicians across Australia.

Step 1: Inspect the Property and Follow the Trail

Before any treatment begins, professionals carry out a full inspection, focusing on:

• Entry points
• External gardens and soil
• Cracks, weep holes, and wall cavities
• Kitchen and pantry hotspots
• Moisture-prone areas

The key is simple: follow the scouts, not the swarm.

Ants never appear randomly. They follow scent trails back to a nest, often hidden in mulch, soil, or inside wall voids. Identifying the source is critical if you want to stop ants from coming into the house permanently.

Step 2: Target the Nest with Professional Treatments

Store-bought sprays only kill the ants you see. Professionals focus on eliminating the colony.

Depending on the ant species, technicians may use:

• Non-repellent gels carried back to the queen
• Dusts for wall voids
• Liquid treatments around the perimeter
• Baits placed directly along ant trails

Because these products are non-repellent, ants don’t avoid them. Instead, they carry the treatment back to the nest, wiping out the colony from within. This is what actually stops ants from returning.

Step 3: Treat and Seal Entry Points

Once the nest is addressed, pest professionals move on to blocking access points.

Common treatment and sealing areas include:

• Gaps around window frames
• Cracks in brickwork
• Weep holes
• Door seals
• Pipe and cable penetrations
• Foundation gaps

Even a gap the size of a pinhead can become an ant highway. Sealing these areas helps deter ants without affecting airflow or ventilation.

Step 4: Outdoor Barrier Treatments to Keep Ants Away

Most ant problems start outside.

A perimeter barrier is applied around:

• Garden beds and mulch
• Fences and pathways
• Outdoor kitchens
• Rubbish and compost areas

This creates an invisible defence that stops ants before they reach the house. When done correctly, it prevents trails from forming in the first place.

Step 5: Break the Food and Moisture Cycle Indoors

Ants come inside for three things: food, water, and shelter.

Professionals always recommend simple changes that help keep ants away, such as:

• Cleaning spills straight away
• Emptying kitchen bins regularly
• Storing food in sealed containers
• Fixing dripping taps
• Avoiding pet food being left out
• Wiping benches to remove scent trails

Even a single drop of juice can attract an entire colony.

Step 6: Ongoing Monitoring and Prevention

Ant control isn’t a one-time fix. Colonies can relocate or rebuild.

That’s why pest professionals often include:

• Follow-up inspections
• Bait refresh cycles
• Seasonal treatments
• Advice tailored to the home’s layout

Consistent monitoring is the best way to prevent ants in the house long-term.

A Real-World Example

A family in Glen Waverley noticed ants appearing in their pantry by the dozen. Instead of treating the kitchen alone, the technician followed the trail outdoors.

The source was a hidden colony under a timber sleeper less than two metres from the back door.

The solution included treating the nest, sealing pantry wall entry points, applying an external barrier, and advising on food storage habits. Two weeks later, there wasn’t a single ant in sight.

This is why proper ant control is always more than a quick spray.

Simple Ways to Deter Ants at Home

While professional treatment delivers the best results, these daily habits also help:

• Wipe kitchen surfaces with vinegar or mild detergent
• Store food securely
• Trim plants away from walls
• Fix leaks and remove standing water
• Seal small cracks with silicone
• Clean bins inside and out

Do these consistently, and ants are far less likely to move in.

If your ant problem is part of a bigger home maintenance issue, you don’t have to manage it all separately. The MR Group, Australia’s oldest name in home services, brings together trusted specialists under one roof.

Alongside pest control, The MR Group also supports homeowners with:

• Property maintenance and repairs
• Electrical and plumbing services
• Heating and cooling solutions
• Security and home upgrades

This joined-up approach helps reduce pest attractants like moisture issues, structural gaps, and general wear and tear that ants often exploit.

Final Words

If ants have turned your home into their personal highway, don’t wait for the problem to grow.

Book a professional ant treatment with Mr Pest Controller for fast, safe, and effective solutions designed for Australian homes.