Ants are one of the most persistent household pests, often appearing out of nowhere and invading kitchens, bathrooms, and even inside walls. While DIY treatments may provide temporary relief, they rarely address the root cause of the problem. Ants are highly organised and adaptable, making them difficult to eliminate without professional pest control.
In this guide, we’ll explore where ants hide in your home, why they invade, and how to stop them for good.
Why Do Ants Invade Homes?
Ants are attracted to homes for three main reasons:
- Food – Even the smallest crumbs can sustain an ant colony.
- Moisture – Leaky pipes, condensation, and damp wood create an ideal environment.
- Shelter – Ants prefer warm, hidden spaces to nest and reproduce.
Unlike other pests, ants don’t rely on one single entry point—they explore multiple access routes and can quickly adapt if one is blocked. That’s why DIY solutions often fail to prevent reinfestations.
Where Are Ants Hiding in Your Home?
Inside Walls and Roof Cavities
- Ants establish colonies inside walls, particularly near pipes, electrical wiring, or insulation.
- They can enter through cracks, vents, and gaps, making them difficult to detect.
- You might not see the nest, but trails of ants along walls or ceilings can be a sign of hidden activity.
Bathrooms and Wet Areas
- Bathrooms provide moisture, which ants need to survive.
- Leaky pipes, clogged drains, and faulty waterproofing attract moisture-loving ant species.
- Regular cleaning and fixing leaks can help reduce their presence.
Kitchen Cabinets, Pantries, and Appliances
- Ants are most commonly found in kitchens due to easy access to food.
- They crawl into pantries, cupboards, and behind appliances in search of crumbs and sugar.
- Even sealed food containers may attract ants if they are not airtight.
Window Frames, Doors, and Wooden Structures
- Certain ants, like carpenter ants, prefer damp and rotting wood for nesting.
- Rainwater leaks into walls and window frames create ideal nesting spots.
- Sealing gaps and replacing damaged wood can help prevent these infestations.
Garden and Outdoor Nesting Sites
- Many ant infestations begin outdoors before moving inside.
- Nests may be hidden in garden beds, potted plants, or under paving stones.
- Keeping vegetation trimmed and maintaining a clean outdoor space can reduce indoor ant activity.
Why DIY Ant Treatments Fail
Many homeowners attempt DIY ant control but find the problem keeps returning. That’s because most over-the-counter products:
- Only kill visible ants, leaving the colony and queen untouched.
- Don’t target specific ant species, making them less effective.
- Cause colony splitting, leading to multiple nests forming in response to perceived threats.
Professional ant control eliminates the colony at its source, ensuring long-term protection.
How to Prevent Ant Infestations
While professional treatment is the most effective way to stop ants, you can also take preventative steps to make your home less inviting:
- Seal all entry points – Use caulk to fill cracks around windows, doors, and vents.
- Keep food stored properly – Use airtight containers for sugar, cereal, and pet food.
- Wipe down surfaces daily – Remove crumbs and spills that attract ants.
- Fix leaks and moisture issues – Keep your home dry to deter nesting.
- Trim vegetation around your home – Reduce access points from gardens and trees.
Even with these precautions, some ant species will continue to invade, which is why professional pest control is often necessary.
Why Call a Professional for Ant Control?
If you’ve tried DIY treatments and ants keep coming back, it’s time to call in the experts. Flick Pest Control provides:
- Accurate identification of ant species, ensuring the right treatment.
- Safe and effective pest control solutions, targeting the source of the infestation.
- Long-term prevention strategies to keep your home ant-free.
Stop Ant Infestations for Good – Call Flick Today!
Ants won’t go away on their own, and DIY methods only provide short-term relief. Flick’s professional pest control team can eliminate the infestation at the source and prevent future problems.
Call Flick today at 1300 270 019 to schedule an inspection and protect your home from ants!
Enjoyed this article?
If you found this article helpful, sign up for our free Quarterly Newsletter to receive all our tips and tricks on pest control and washroom hygiene.
Sign Me Up!