Top Signs You Have an Ant Infestation in Canberra and How to Handle It
In Canberra, we love our warm summers and cool winters; we wouldn’t have it any other way. But ants thrive in this climate, and when they seek the warmth offered by your home, it is important to know how to manage them.
Residential Reports shows you how to detect ants and what to do if you notice warning signs of an ant problem in your Canberra home.
Indicators of an Ant Infestation
- Ant Trails and Live Ant Sightings
This is the most obvious sign of a residential ant infestation in Canberra. Seeing a single ant is often the sign of a scout. These are the ants that find food and go back to the colony with this wonderful discovery, leaving a pheromone trail. If you see a consistent, moving trail of ants along skirting boards, window sills, door frames or countertops, they have found a food source and you have a problem.
- Piles of Sawdust
If you notice small piles of fine sawdust near wooden structures, it could be a sign of Carpenter Ants, which are a common pest in Canberra. Unlike termites, which eat wood, these ants tunnel through it to build their nests. They feed on household waste and especially like sweet food.
- Visible Nests
Ant nests may appear outside as small mounds of soil or dirt in your lawn or paving cracks. Inside the home, you should also look for signs of nests in secluded, dark and damp areas, such as under bathroom or kitchen sinks.
- Rustling or Scratching Sounds
If a very large ant colony has nestled itself inside a wall void or ceiling, this means you have an ant infestation in Canberra. You will likely hear faint rustling or scratching sounds as they move around.
What To Do: Canberra Pest Identification and Treatment
If you suspect a residential ant infestation in your Canberra home, there are a few immediate steps you can take before calling in a professional:
- Sanitise: Ants are attracted to food and moisture. Clean up crumbs and spills, and ensure you store pantry items in airtight containers.
- Use Ant Baits: Sprays only kill the ants you see, but you need to eliminate the source. Ant bait gels are designed to lure ants so they carry the poisoned food back to the colony, destroying the nest from within.
- Seal Entry Points: Use a good quality sealant to seal entry points you find, such as cracks in window frames and walls.
Call The Professionals
If you detect ants or problem signs of ants in Canberra, get in touch with a licensed pest control professional for fast, effective results.
Call Residential Reports in the ACT for an ant-free, pest-free home.