Getting rid of ants yourself

Check which ant you have

The right method depends on the ant. Black garden ants, 3 to 5 mm, come in from an outdoor nest and respond well to bait. Pharaoh ants, 1.5 to 2 mm, nest inside the building and should not be sprayed. Check with our identification guide before you buy anything.

Use bait stations

Place bait stations along the ant trail and near the entry point. Workers carry the bait back to the nest and share it, so the colony fails. Do not wipe the trail before you place bait. Leave the stations in place for a week or two, because killing the workers quickly stops the bait reaching the queen.

Keep bait out of reach of children and pets, and follow the label.

Step by step with bait

Follow the same routine each time:

• find the trail and the point where ants come in
• put the bait stations on the trail, close to the entry point
• keep other food out of reach, so ants take the bait
• check after a day and replace stations that are empty
• keep going for one to two weeks, until the trail has stopped

It is normal to see more ants at first, because they gather at the bait. Do not remove the stations at this stage.

Do not spray

A can of spray kills the ants you see but not the nest. For pharaoh ants it is worse: the colony splits into several new colonies throughout the building. Consumer sprays are legal, but baiting is the better first step.

Avoid wiping the trail with strong cleaners until the bait has done its work.

Remove food and block the way in

Seal sugar, honey, pet food and sweet drinks, wipe worktops and empty the bin. Fix leaks and dry damp areas. Find where the ants enter, then seal the gaps around pipes, doors and windows. The best time to seal is early spring, before colonies become active.

Ants in the garden

If the nest is under a patio or lawn, place bait near it, and keep children and pets away. Outdoor ants are a nuisance and only need action if they keep coming indoors.

If the ants come back

If ants return after a week or two of quiet, check for a new entry point and refresh the bait. A different trail may mean a second colony. If trails continue after two to three weeks, or you find several, stop and call a pest controller. Ask whether a free return visit is included if the ants reappear.

When to call a professional

Call a pest controller for pharaoh ants, for trails that continue after two to three weeks, or for several colonies. See ant control for what to expect and the cost guide for prices. There is no ant licence and no legal bar on consumer products. Professional-only products are not sold to householders.