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Ants can be more than just an annoyance – they can contaminate food and quickly become a persistent problem if not addressed properly. With a few simple steps, you can get rid of ants both inside and outside your home, making your space more comfortable and pest-free. Here's how to do it.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Ants are typically drawn to food, moisture, and warmth. If your home provides any of these, ants might find their way inside. The first step in controlling ants is to focus on prevention. Keeping your home clean is essential, so make sure you wipe down surfaces to remove crumbs and spills, and store food in airtight containers to eliminate their food sources.
It’s also important to inspect for entry points around windows, doors, and walls where ants might be sneaking inside, and seal them up where possible. Sealing gaps around doors and windows is a fairly easy process and will make all the difference.
If ants have already invaded your home, don’t worry – there are effective methods to deal with them. Start by observing the ants’ behaviour. They leave behind pheromone trails that lead to food or back to their nest. By following these trails, you can locate the source of the problem, which is usually a nest either inside or outside your home.
Once the nest is found, you can use products like dust or baits to tackle the infestation. Ant baits are particularly effective because they allow the ants to carry the poison back to the nest, targeting the entire colony.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
