How do you get rid of an ant infestation?
Treat the colony, not the trail. Ant baits and non-repellent treatments are taken back to the nest by worker ants and shared with the queen and larvae. Repellent sprays scatter the trail and can split the colony into new nests, so avoid spraying the trail before treatment.
Signs you have ants
- Trails of ants across benches, walls and window sills
- Ants coming from power points, light fittings or skirting
- Small piles of soil or sand between pavers and along paths
- Ants in pet food bowls, the pantry or the rubbish bin
- Winged ants appearing inside on warm, humid days
Why ants keep coming back
Some species, such as coastal brown ants and Argentine ants, have many queens and spread through a whole street in connected nests. Killing the trail only removes a small share of the workers. Baiting lets the ants do the work of reaching the nest, and a perimeter barrier stops new trails forming.
How Pestor treats ants
Trace
We follow trails to find the nest and identify the species, which decides the bait and treatment.
Bait
Ant baits are placed along active trails inside and out so workers carry them back to the colony.
Barrier
A non-repellent treatment around the perimeter, paths and entry points stops new trails.
Check
We check activity and re-bait if a second colony or species shows up.
Before your ant treatment
- Do not spray the trails in the days before treatment
- Wipe benches but leave the trail in place so we can follow it
- Store food and pet food in sealed containers
- Note where you see ants most so we can start there
Prevention tips
- Wipe up sugary spills and crumbs straight away
- Keep pet food bowls clean and do not leave food out overnight
- Trim plants and branches touching the house, which ants use as bridges
- Seal cracks around windows, doors and pipes
- Fix leaking taps, as many ants are attracted to moisture
Common species in Melbourne
| Name | Scientific name | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Black house ant | Ochetellus glaber | Small and shiny black. Trails along benches and nests in wall cavities and pot plants. |
| Coastal brown ant | Pheidole megacephala | Small, brown, with large-headed soldiers. Pushes soil up between pavers. |
| Argentine ant | Linepithema humile | Small, light brown. Forms huge multi-queen colonies across properties. |
| Bull ant / jack jumper | Myrmecia spp. | Large ants with painful stings, found in gardens near bushland. |
FAQs about ants
Why do ants come back after I spray them?
Supermarket sprays kill the workers they touch but do not reach the queen. Some sprays also cause colonies to split into new nests. Baits that ants carry back to the colony give longer-lasting results.
How long does ant treatment take to work?
You may see more ants for a day or two as they collect the bait, which is normal. Activity usually drops within a week or two.
Are ant baits safe around kids and pets?
Baits are placed in cracks, under bench edges and in secured stations away from reach. We will talk through placement with you.
Can ants damage my house?
Most ants do not damage structures, but they can nest in wall cavities and electrical fittings. Ants are sometimes confused with termites. If you see winged insects or mud tubes, ask us for a termite inspection.