How to Get Rid of Ants and Stop Them Coming Back

Ants may be small, but they can quickly become a major nuisance once they find their way inside. Whether they’re turning up on kitchen bench surfaces, around pet bowls, or along window sills, they usually appear for one simple reason: your home is giving them easy access to food, water, or shelter.

The good news is that getting on top of the problem is usually quite manageable. Fortunately, the key is to do more than just spray the ants you can see. To clear an ant infestation properly, you need to disrupt their trail, target the colony, and make your home less inviting in the future.

This guide explains what attracts ants, which treatments are actually worth trying, and how to keep them from returning.

Why ants keep returning

Ants rarely appear by accident. Once a few workers find a food source, they leave a scent trail for the rest of the colony to follow. That is why a small issue can quickly turn into a steady stream of ants through the same part of the house. In Western Australia, some common pest species are known to enter homes in search of food and moisture, particularly in urban areas (DPIRD WA).

Common attractants include:

• sugary spills and crumbs
• unsealed food in the pantry
• pet food left out too long
• leaking taps or damp areas
• overfilled bins
• cracks around doors, windows and walls

If the source of the attraction is still there, ants are likely to keep coming back even after surface treatment.

Signs you may have an infestation

A few ants now and then do not always mean there is a major problem. However, if you keep seeing activity in the same places, it usually points to a nearby nest or an established trail.

You may be dealing with a larger issue if you notice:

• regular lines of ants moving through the kitchen or bathroom
• ants gathering near food storage areas
• activity around bins, sinks or pet bowls
• nests in garden beds, under pavers or near the house
• flying ants around windows or doors
• recurring activity despite cleaning

The earlier you deal with it, the easier it is to get under control.

Ways to get rid of ants in the house

When ants are already indoors, a mix of cleaning, observation and targeted treatment usually works best.

1. Clean away what is attracting them

Start by removing the obvious food and water sources. Wipe down benches, sweep floors, clean sticky spills and store pantry goods in sealed containers. Do not leave dirty dishes, fruit or pet food sitting out longer than necessary.

It is also worth checking for damp patches under sinks, around dishwashers or near leaking pipes. Even a small water source can keep ants interested.

2. Follow where they are coming from

Rather than killing random ants and hoping for the best, take a moment to watch their movement. They often enter through tiny cracks, gaps in window frames, wall edges or spaces under doors.

If you can identify the trail, you are far more likely to place treatment in the right spot.

3. Use ant bait to target the colony

For ongoing ant problems, bait is often more effective than relying on spray alone. Worker ants carry bait back to the nest, which gives you a better chance of affecting the colony rather than just the ants on the surface.

Place bait near active areas, but not directly over ant trails. It is normal to see increased activity at first, as more ants gather to collect it. Try not to disturb them too early, and avoid spraying over the bait, as this can stop the process from working properly.

4. Remove the trail once activity drops

After the number of ants starts to fall, clean the affected surfaces thoroughly. Warm soapy water or a vinegar and water mixture can help remove the scent trail that guides other ants to the same spot.

5. Block their access points

Once the immediate problem is under control, seal gaps around skirting boards, windows, doors and pipe entry points. This helps create a stronger barrier and reduces the chance of another trail forming later on.

Natural methods that may help

Some households prefer to start with natural options before moving on to stronger treatments. These eco-friendly pest control methods can sometimes help with minor problems, though they are not always enough for larger infestations.

White vinegar and water

This can be useful for wiping down benches, floors and entry points. It helps remove scent trails and may discourage ants from travelling the same route again.

Boiling water for outdoor nests

If you can clearly see a nest outside, pouring boiling water into it may reduce activity. This can work for small nests, but it often does not reach the full colony.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth

This powder can be placed in dry areas where ants are active. It works by damaging their outer layer, though it needs to remain dry to be effective.

Some people lightly sprinkle it near entry points, but care is needed to keep it in place.

Essential oils

Peppermint and tea tree oil are sometimes used as deterrents. Some households also try cinnamon, although results can vary.

They may help mask trails for a while, but they are generally less dependable than ant baits when dealing with a well-established colony.

Natural remedies can be useful for prevention or very minor activity, but they are usually not the strongest long-term solution.

How to deal with ants outdoors

Outdoor activity often plays a big part in indoor infestations, especially if nests are close to the house.

Treat visible nests

If you can find the nest, an outdoor ant treatment may help reduce numbers more directly. Depending on the situation, this might involve bait, granules or another nest-specific product.

Cut back access around the home

Plants, branches and dense garden growth touching the house can make it easier for ants to travel indoors. Keeping these trimmed back removes easy pathways.

Reduce moisture and clutter

Mulch piled against walls, damp corners, stacked timber and neglected garden edges can all encourage nesting. Garden debris can also make the area more attractive if it is left undisturbed for long periods.

Keeping these areas tidy and dry makes the environment less appealing.

Check pavers, cracks and edges

Ants often build nests in gaps between pavers, under concrete edges and in wall cracks. If you keep seeing activity around these areas, the colony may be very close to the house.

Which ant control treatments work best?

The most effective method depends on where the ants are, how long the problem has been going on, and whether the nest is visible. It’s important to match the treatment to the severity of the infestation rather than relying on a single quick fix.

In general:

• Bait is often the best option for persistent indoor activity
• Spray can be useful for immediate knockdown, but may not solve the underlying issue
• Outdoor treatments are helpful when nests are visible around the property
• Natural methods can assist with minor activity and prevention, though results vary

In many cases, the best result comes from combining several steps: cleaning, baiting, removing scent trails and sealing entry points.

How long does it take to clear an ant problem?

A small problem may improve within a few days, while a more established infestation can take one to two weeks or longer. Much depends on the size of the colony and whether the nest has been properly targeted.

One of the biggest mistakes is interrupting the treatment too early. Bait needs time to be carried back to the nest. If you keep switching products or spraying everything immediately, you may slow the process down.

How to stop ants from coming back

Once the ants are gone, prevention becomes the main job. A few simple habits can make a big difference over time.

Try to:

• wipe down kitchen surfaces regularly
• store food in airtight containers
• empty bins before they overflow
• avoid leaving pet food out for long periods
• fix leaks and damp areas promptly
• seal gaps around doors, windows and walls
• keep garden beds and mulch away from exterior walls
• check common problem areas every few weeks

Consistency matters more than one-off treatment.

When to call a pest control professional

Sometimes the problem keeps returning no matter what you try. In that case, it may be worth getting expert help.

Professional pest control may be the best option if:

• ants keep reappearing after treatment
• you cannot locate the nest
• activity is spreading through several parts of the house
• the infestation is severe
• you suspect a harder-to-treat species is involved

A professional can identify ant species, locate hidden nests and use more targeted treatment methods safely. In more stubborn cases, pest control experts may also spot nesting areas that are not obvious during a routine check.

Final thoughts

Ant problems are frustrating, but they are usually easier to solve when you take a broader approach. Instead of only dealing with the ants you can see, focus on removing what is attracting them, interrupting their trail and targeting the colony itself.

For smaller issues, improved cleaning and a few preventative steps may be enough. For recurring or future infestations, bait and outdoor treatment are often more effective. And if the problem keeps returning, professional pest control service may save you time and repeated frustration.