How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Melbourne Home: What Works and When to Call a Pro

A few ants on the bench can quickly turn into a steady stream across the kitchen. The good news is that there’s plenty you can do yourself to stop them. The trick is knowing what actually works, because a lot of popular tricks only deal with the ants you can see and not the colony behind them.

First, work out what you’re dealing with

Different ants behave differently, so a quick look helps:

• Where are they coming from? Follow the trail if you can. Ants usually lead you to where they’re getting in, and sometimes to the nest.
• What are they after? Sweet and greasy foods, pet food and moisture are common targets.
• Do they have wings? Winged ants or termites swarming around lights are a different issue. See our guide on flying termites vs flying ants.

Why ants come inside

Ants come in looking for food, water and shelter. Weather swings can push them indoors, and trails can build up quickly once a few scouts find a reliable source of food. Our guide to ants in hot weather covers what changes when it heats up.

What you can do today

• Clean up properly: wipe benches, sweep crumbs and wipe up spills straight away, including sticky jars and bottles.
• Wipe away the trail: use soapy water or a household cleaner to remove the scent trail ants follow.
• Store food securely: keep food, including pet food, in sealed containers.
• Fix leaks and dry damp areas: moisture draws ants in, especially under sinks and around bathrooms.
• Seal entry points: use silicone for small gaps around windows, doors and pipes.
• Trim back plants: branches and vines touching the house give ants an easy path inside.
• Empty bins regularly: rinse them occasionally, too.

Baits vs sprays

This is where many people go wrong. A surface spray can kill the ants you can see, but it often doesn’t reach the colony and may make some ants scatter and set up new trails. Ant baits work differently: the ants carry the bait back to the nest and share it, which can reach the colony itself. If you use any product, always follow the label directions, keep it away from children and pets, and don’t mix products.

Ants in the kitchen

Kitchens are ant magnets. Keep benches clear, seal sugar, honey and pet food, and keep bait stations away from food preparation areas. If trails keep coming back to the same spot, find where they’re entering.

What doesn’t work well

Home remedies such as vinegar, chalk or cinnamon can interrupt a trail or deter ants for a while, but they rarely get rid of the colony. If ants keep returning, the nest is usually still active.

When to call a professional

• Ants keep coming back after a few days or weeks.
• You can’t find where they’re coming from, or suspect a nest in a wall, under paving or in the roof.
• Ants are around electrical items. See battling ants in your electrical system.
• There are very large numbers of ants, or more than one kind.
• You’re worried about using products around children or pets.
• You suspect termites rather than ants.

A technician will inspect, trace the trails and treat the nest and entry points. For a look at how professionals approach it, read how pest professionals stop ants from coming into the house.

Frequently asked questions

What kills ants permanently?

Dealing with the colony, not just the ants you can see. Baits that ants carry back to the nest can help, as can treating the nest itself. Removing food, water and entry points stops new ants moving in.

Will ants come back after I clean up?

They can, if the nest is still active or if food, moisture and entry points are still there. Cleaning removes the trail, but it doesn’t remove the colony.

Are ant baits safe around pets and children?

Follow the label directions, keep baits where children and pets can’t reach them, and ask a professional if you’re unsure which product suits your home.

Ant control across Melbourne

Mr Pest Controller helps with ants across Melbourne, including Richmond, Box Hill, Glen Waverley, Frankston, Dandenong, Werribee and Craigieburn.

Tired of ants? Book an ant control inspection and we’ll sort out the source.