The property market is tough right now and selling a home is extra hard. Sellers are looking for any advantage in selling their homes, and are spending more and more time looking for that extra edge to help them sell in good time, and for the price they want. The big things are easy – make sure the property is in good repair, get a good agent, make the place tidy and maintain the areas around the house for maximum kerb appeal. The big “For Sale” sign will bring in buyers, but don’t let the little things (or even the tiny ones) turn off potential buyers. A prime example? Ants.

Ant mounds around your paving are unsightly and may reduce your chances of selling – especially at the price you’re looking for. A potential buyer may see them and wonder if there are other unaddressed pest problems. They may also see them and question the quality of general home and yard maintenance. They might even wonder if there is a hidden ant problem inside the house as well. Any of these thoughts might turn off buyers, or prompt a lower offer.

Ants are everywhere, and a few individuals wandering around outside won’t be a problem, but if you want to make it as easy as possible to sell your house, take care of any major infestations well before you open your home to prospective buyers.

Ant activity is at its peak in the hot, dry summer season, but even in cooler months it is a good idea to make sure the ants are under control. There are a variety of products available, or even professional pest control services, so whatever your preferred method, you have choices.

I have a small cottage, and I love to get out there gardening and tending the plants, so I control any ant problems myself. It is easy for me to whip around with some “Amdro” from Bunnings, and if it requires more than one application, I have it on hand to use without delay.

If you don’t like the thought of applying chemicals yourself, you may prefer to call in a professional pest controller to do it for you. Shop around and get the price that is best for your situation. Your joondalup settlement agent may be able to recommend a trusted service. Don’t be shy about asking for references either, a reputable company will have testimonials from happy customers.

If you prefer a pesticide-free method, there are popular home remedies that organic and chemical-conscious gardeners swear by.  You can try a simple mix of 50/50 Windex and liquid soap poured into the ant mound. Just finished heating a kettle for tea? Another method is to pour boiling water slowly into the ant mound. I know of people who do this every morning with the leftover hot water, taking care of ants and weeds alike.

A great tip I read online was to make a tobacco tea. Soak a bag of pipe tobacco in water overnight – don’t use your teapot! Next day, strain the leaves out but keep the dark liquid. Pour it directly into the ant colony, slowly so it soaks into the soil. It doesn’t even need to be hot. The toxins infused into the water administer a lethal dose of nicotine, but the liquid won’t poison the groundwater and an application or two shouldn’t bother the surrounding plants.

Don’t leave any method until the last minute when the goal is to sell your house. Give time for the efforts to pay off, for any residue to wash away, and for you to sweep away evidence of ant mounds or damage. Your home will look as if it never had an ant problem, and your agent can concentrate on the other positive selling points.

Whichever method you choose, don’t let these tiny neighbours put off potential buyers. Make sure you rid your property of those pesky ants before putting your house up for sale. If any doubt give your Joondalup Settlement Agent a call.