Ants perform important ecological roles, including soil aeration, decomposition and seed dispersal. However, they can become a persistent problem when they nest inside buildings or repeatedly enter kitchens and food-storage areas.
Ants may mechanically contaminate food and surfaces after travelling through drains, waste areas and other unsanitary locations. Some species can also sting, damage electrical equipment or create extensive nests around a property.
If you notice continuing ant trails, multiple entry points or ants returning after DIY treatment, the first step is to identify what is attracting them and where they may be nesting.
Signs of an Ant Infestation
Common signs include:
- Regular ant trails along walls, benches or floors
- Ants gathering around food, water or pet bowls
- Soil or nesting material around cracks and paving
- Winged ants emerging indoors
- Ant activity around electrical equipment
- Ants appearing from wall cavities or beneath cupboards
- Repeated activity after surface spraying
One or two foraging ants do not always indicate a major infestation. However, a consistent trail usually means workers are travelling between a food source and an established nest.
Remove Food and Water Sources
Clean crumbs, grease and food spills promptly. Store pantry products in sealed containers and avoid leaving pet food available overnight.
Other practical measures include:
- Wiping benches and floors regularly
- Emptying rubbish bins
- Rinsing recyclable containers
- Repairing leaking taps and pipes
- Removing standing water
- Cleaning beneath kitchen appliances
- Keeping tree branches and vegetation away from the building
These measures may not remove an established colony, but they can make the property less attractive and improve the effectiveness of treatment.
For more advice, read our guide explaining how to get rid of ants.
Seal Ant Entry Points
Follow visible ant trails to identify where workers enter the building. Common entry points include:
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Cracks in walls or foundations
- Openings around plumbing
- Expansion joints
- Roof and wall penetrations
- Gaps beneath skirting boards
Seal suitable openings after the infestation has been assessed. Sealing an active entry point too early may cause ants to establish a different route or move further into the building.
Why Ant Colonies Can Be Difficult to Control
Ants are social insects that live in organised colonies. Most colonies contain one or more reproductive queens and numerous sterile workers. Males are generally produced seasonally for mating, while specialised soldier workers occur only in some species.
Workers leave the nest to find food and can create pheromone trails that guide other ants to the source. Killing only the visible workers may provide temporary relief without affecting the queen, developing ants or other connected nests.
Some ant species form a single nest, while others maintain several linked nests. Consequently, a treatment that works for one species may be ineffective for another.
Avoid Spraying Visible Ant Trails
Aerosol sprays may kill the ants you can see, but they do not always reach the nest. Repellent sprays may also disrupt trails, cause ants to change routes or interfere with professional baiting.
Do not mix several pesticide products or apply them contrary to their labels. If you have already used a spray or bait, tell the pest management technician what product you applied and where you used it.
Professional Ant Treatment Options
Professional treatment begins with identifying the ant species, nesting area and foraging pattern. Depending on the infestation, treatment may involve:
- Gel or granular baits
- Monitoring stations
- Targeted non-repellent treatments
- Dusts inside suitable inaccessible areas
- Exterior nest treatment
- Entry-point recommendations
- Follow-up inspections
Ant baits are designed to work slowly enough for foraging workers to return to the colony. Workers may share the bait with other ants through normal feeding and social behaviour. However, the effectiveness of baiting depends on the species, bait formulation, competing food sources and placement.
Not every ant infestation will experience complete colony elimination from one treatment. Some infestations require follow-up visits or a combination of methods.
Fipforce for Ant Control
Fipforce HP contains fipronil and is registered for controlling specified ants and other pests around domestic and commercial structures when used according to its approved label. Its label must determine where, how and how often the product can be applied. Fipforce
The product should not be described as an unrestricted indoor ant treatment. A licensed technician must confirm whether it is suitable for the ant species, location and treatment method.
Fipronil-based products can also present environmental risks if misused, particularly around aquatic environments. They must only be applied at approved rates and kept away from drains, ponds and waterways as directed by the label.
Licensed Ant Control in Newcastle
In New South Wales, professional pest management technicians must hold the appropriate EPA licence. They must also use registered products according to the approved label or permit.
Before treatment, you can ask for:
- The name of the product being used
- The product label or safety data sheet
- Preparation instructions
- Advice about children and pets
- Re-entry requirements
- Information about follow-up treatments
Learn more about ants and their behaviour and why they often become more noticeable when pest activity increases in spring.
Newcastle Pest Exterminators provides professional ant control in Newcastle. Our technicians can identify likely nesting areas and recommend a treatment based on the species, property and level of activity.
Contact Newcastle Pest Exterminators if ants continue to return after cleaning and removing accessible food sources.
