Is professional ant treatment safe for pets and children?

Surface sprays only target the individual foraging ants you can see, leaving the colony and queen unharmed. Many ant species respond to chemical sprays by fragmenting the colony, which often makes the infestation spread and become more difficult to manage. Professional treatments focus on eliminating the nest itself.

While both can swarm, termites typically have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a broad, thick waist. In contrast, ants have distinctively bent (elbowed) antennae, unequal-length wings, and a pinched, thin waist. If you are unsure, do not disturb the insects, as misidentified termites can pose a significant structural risk.

At Northern Rock, our standard package treatments include a 3-month ant-free service period. If ant activity returns inside this window, we will return to re-treat the affected area at no additional cost.

Ants in the Top End are primarily drawn to moisture rather than food. Kitchen sinks, taps, kettles, dishwashers, and leaking pipes are major attractants. While removing food residue and drying surfaces helps, it will not eliminate the colony, which is usually located outside the building.

Unlike termites, ants do not consume timber for food. They nest in wall cavities, sub-floor spaces, and voids because the environment suits their needs. However, they can still damage electrical appliances, wiring insulation, switches, and air conditioning units. Professional treatment is generally far more cost-effective than repairing this secondary damage.