DIY Methods to Get Rid of Ants
Ant Bait Gel
Gel baits are the most effective DIY treatment because foraging ants carry the poison back to the colony, killing the queen and the entire nest over several days. Apply small dots of bait along ant trails and near entry points. Do not spray the ants — you want them alive to take the bait home.
Ant Powder (Diatomaceous Earth)
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic powder that damages the waxy coating on ants, causing dehydration. Puff it into cracks, gaps under doors, and around entry points. It works slowly but is safe around children and pets.
Boiling Water on Outdoor Nests
For garden ant hills, pouring several kettles of boiling water directly into the nest entrance can kill a significant portion of the colony. Repeat over several days for best results. This method does not use chemicals and is completely free.
Vinegar and Water Spray
A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water wiped along ant trails disrupts the pheromone scent, confusing foragers. This will not kill the colony but can provide temporary relief while you wait for bait treatments to take effect.
Professional Ants Control
Garden ant infestations are usually manageable with shop-bought treatments, but if ants keep returning despite your efforts, the nest may be located deep within the structure of the building where DIY products cannot reach.
A professional pest controller will identify the exact species — this matters because different species require different approaches. For common black garden ants they may apply residual insecticidal sprays or dusts directly into the nest and along foraging routes. For pharaoh ants, which form multiple satellite colonies, targeted baiting programmes are used because spraying can cause the colony to split and spread, making the problem worse.
Professional treatment typically resolves an ant problem within one to two visits, and your technician will advise on sealing entry points to prevent future invasions.
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How to Prevent Ants
Wipe Down Surfaces Daily
Clean kitchen worktops, dining tables, and floors daily to remove food residue and crumbs. Even the smallest trace of sugar or grease can attract scout ants that will then signal the rest of the colony.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Ants enter through the tiniest cracks in masonry, gaps around window frames, and spaces beneath external doors. Use silicone sealant or filler to close these entry points, paying particular attention to where services enter the building.
Store Sweet Foods Securely
Sugar, honey, jam, and fruit should be stored in sealed containers or in the fridge. Rinse out jars and tins before putting them in the recycling, and keep pet food bowls clean between meals.
Address Moisture Issues
Some ant species, including pharaoh ants, are attracted to moisture. Fix dripping taps, wipe down condensation on windows, and ensure bathrooms are well ventilated to make your home less appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I suddenly have ants in my house?
Ants send out scout workers to search for food. When a scout finds a food source in your home, it lays a pheromone trail back to the nest, and hundreds of workers follow. A sudden appearance usually means a scout has located something attractive — even a tiny spill of juice or a few crumbs under the toaster.
Do ants cause structural damage?
Black garden ants do not cause structural damage to buildings, though their nest-building can undermine paving and patios. However, carpenter ants (rare in the UK but occasionally found) excavate wood to build nests and can weaken timbers over time.
Will ants go away on their own in winter?
Outdoor ant activity drops significantly in winter as the colony becomes dormant. However, ants nesting within heated buildings — especially pharaoh ants — can remain active year-round. The colony will still be there when spring arrives, so it is better to deal with the problem rather than wait.
Is ant bait safe around pets?
Most consumer ant bait gels contain very low concentrations of insecticide that are designed to be lethal to ants but pose minimal risk to cats and dogs. However, you should still place bait in areas your pets cannot easily access and follow the product instructions.
How much does professional ant control cost?
Professional ant treatment in the UK typically costs between £80 and £150 for a standard domestic property. The price depends on the species, the extent of the infestation, and whether follow-up visits are needed. BuzzKill offers competitive pricing with no call-out charge.