Ants are one of the most common reasons people in Malta call us, especially in warm weather and after rain. The usual first reaction is to spray the trail – and a few days later, the ants are back.
- The ants you see are a small part of the colony.
- Spraying kills workers but leaves the nest and queen untouched.
- Bait is carried back to the nest, which is why it works.
- Leave the trail – it shows where the nest is.
Why spraying doesn't last
Spraying kills the workers on the trail, but the nest and the queen are untouched, so new workers soon follow the same route. Sprays can also make the colony split and spread.
Good to know: ants leave a scent trail for the rest of the colony to follow. Wiping it with soapy water stops new ants finding it – but only after you've found the nest.
What works instead
- Leave the trail and follow it to see where the ants come in and where the nest is.
- Use bait on the trail. Worker ants carry it back to the nest, reaching the queen.
- Remove food sources: keep sweet foods sealed, wipe sticky spills and don't leave pet food out.
- Close entry points around windows, doors and skirting.
Ants keep coming back?
We trace the trails back to the nest and treat the whole colony. Activity usually drops within days.
Book ant controlOr call 2143 6820 →Frequently asked questions
Why do ants keep coming back after I spray?
Spraying only kills the ants you see. The nest and queen survive, so new workers follow the same trail.
How long does bait take to work?
Ants need time to carry the bait back to the colony. You should see activity drop within days.
When are ants worst in Malta?
In warm weather and after rain, when ants look for food and drier shelter indoors.
