Ants are one of the most common pest calls in Melbourne, especially in spring and summer. One day there’s a single ant on the bench, the next there’s a trail from the window to the pantry. Here’s how to identify common Melbourne ants, why they keep coming back and what actually works for ant control.
Common ants in Melbourne homes
| Ant | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Black house ant | Small, shiny black ants that trail along benches, windows and skirting boards. Common in kitchens. |
| Argentine ant | Small, light to dark brown ants that form huge, busy trails and multiple nests. A well-known pest in parts of Melbourne. |
| Coastal brown ant | Small brown ants that push up soil between pavers and along edges, and come inside for food. |
| Bull ant / jumper ant | Large ants in gardens and bushland suburbs. Their sting is painful, and some people react badly. |
Why ants keep coming back
- The nest isn’t treated. Most of the colony, including the queen, never leaves the nest. Killing the workers you see doesn’t stop more coming.
- Sprays can split colonies. With some species, spraying can cause the colony to split and form new nests.
- Scent trails stay. Ants leave a chemical trail that guides others to food.
- Easy access. Gaps around windows, door frames, pipes and power points are open doors for ants.
Quick things you can do today
- Wipe benches and floors with soapy water or vinegar to remove scent trails.
- Store sugar, honey, cereal and pet food in sealed containers.
- Rinse recycling and keep bins closed.
- Fix dripping taps and leaks, because ants need water too.
- Trim plants touching the house, which act as bridges.
Ants marching through the kitchen?
Ant treatment starts from $199 including GST, inside and outside the home.
How professional ant control works
- Find the trails and nests: we follow the ants back to where they’re coming from, inside and outside.
- Use the right product: gel or granular baits that workers carry back to the nest, plus treatments around entry points and the outside of the home.
- Advice on keeping them out: where to seal, what to clean and what not to spray so baits keep working.
Learn more on our ant control in Melbourne page. Many homes book ants together with a general treatment that also covers cockroaches and spiders. See German cockroaches in Melbourne and dangerous spiders in Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions
Why do ants suddenly appear in my kitchen?
Warm weather, rain and dry spells all push ants to look for food and water indoors. Once one finds food, it leaves a scent trail that others follow.
Do ant baits work?
Yes, when the right bait is used and left alone. Workers carry it back to the nest, reaching the queen and young. Spraying over baits stops them working.
Are ant treatments safe for pets?
We use registered products, place baits out of reach and tell you how long to keep pets away from treated areas.
How much does ant control cost in Melbourne?
Our ant treatments start from $199 including GST. See our Melbourne pest control price guide.
