Ant control Melbourne

Ant control in Melbourne typically costs between $150 and $320 for a standard treatment covering an inspection, gel baiting, and a perimeter barrier spray. Larger properties, multiple nest sites, or persistent infestations cost more and are quoted after inspection. Ongoing quarterly treatments are also available for properties with recurring seasonal activity.

Spraying the ants you see only kills workers that have already left the nest, it does nothing to the colony itself, which can contain thousands of ants and one or more queens producing new workers continuously. Surface sprays also disrupt the pheromone trail ants use to navigate, which can cause the colony to send out new scouts and establish a different trail elsewhere, making the problem look like it's spread. Effective treatment requires a slow-acting bait that workers carry back to the colony and queen.

The two most common nuisance ants in Melbourne homes are the black house ant (Ochetellus glaber), a small shiny black ant nesting in wall cavities, roof voids, and under paving, and the coastal brown ant (Pheidole megacephala), a light brown to yellowish ant nesting in soil, garden beds, and under concrete slabs. Black house ants are most active in warmer months around kitchens and bathrooms. Coastal brown ants are aggressive foragers found around outdoor entertaining areas and garden edges.

Gel baiting typically shows a reduction in visible activity within 3 to 7 days, as worker ants carry bait back to the colony. Surface visibility may briefly increase in the first day or two as more ants are attracted to the bait, this is expected and is a sign the bait is being carried back to the colony. Full colony elimination, including the queen, can take 1 to 3 weeks depending on colony size and species.

Yes, when applied correctly. Gel baits are placed in small amounts in cracks, crevices, and along skirting boards areas not typically accessible to children or pets. We avoid open application in high-traffic areas and can discuss bait station options for households with curious pets or young children who explore low surfaces.

Standard cleaning is fine, but avoid using strong surface cleaners directly over areas where bait has been placed, as this can remove the bait before ants have carried it back to the nest. Wiping up food spills and sealing pantry items reduces what attracts new scout ants, but won't eliminate an existing colony on its own that requires direct treatment of the nest.