Ants in a New Flat: Why They Appear Before Furnishing

You walk into your new flat for the first time and find a thin line of ants along the kitchen wall. There is no food, no furniture, no one living there, so what are they doing? New flats attract ants for reasons that have little to do with how you live.

This guide explains why and what to do before you move in.

The short answer

Ants appear in new flats because they arrive through shared walls, pipes, shafts and conduits from other flats or outside, because construction leaves gaps and damp that suit them, because workers leave food scraps and drinks, and because moisture from fresh plaster, tiles and plumbing attracts them. Nests may already exist in the building's structure or surrounding soil. Before furnishing, seal gaps, fix leaks, clean up construction debris, find trails and use bait, and arrange a pest treatment while the home is empty and easy to treat.

Why ants come into empty flats

• Construction gaps: Cracks around pipes, windows, doors and skirting, and unsealed shafts.
• Moisture: Wet plaster, grout and plumbing work, and small leaks.
• Food and drink residue: Left by workers, in kitchens, bins and corners.
• Existing nests: In walls, soil outside or in neighbouring flats.
• Warm, quiet cavities: Behind cabinets, in conduits and in false ceilings.
• Arrival with materials: On cartons, wood and building materials.

What to check at handover

1. Look for ant trails along walls, skirting, windows and the kitchen.
2. Check under the sink and bathroom pipes for gaps and damp.
3. Inspect balcony doors, window frames and AC pipe holes.
4. Look at electrical sockets and switchboards.
5. Note any leaks or damp patches.

Before you move in

• Ask the builder to fix leaks and seal gaps.
• Clean up construction debris, food waste and cartons.
• Follow trails to find entry points and nests.
• Use ant gel bait on trails, away from where children and pets will be, and avoid heavy spraying.
• Seal cracks and gaps after the ants have gone.
• Arrange a professional pest treatment while the flat is empty, since it is easier to reach every gap and cabinet.

When furnishing

• Do not bring in cartons that have been stored in infested places.
• Keep furniture slightly away from walls.
• Store food in sealed containers from day one.

Check the building

If the building has widespread ant problems, ask the society about common-area treatment and shared shafts.

Other pests to check

Cockroaches and termites can also appear in new flats. An overall pest inspection before move-in is a good idea.

When to call a professional

If ants appear in numbers, or you cannot find their entry, call a professional before moving in.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to see ants in a new flat?

It is common, because of gaps, damp and building connections.

Will they go away on their own?

Not usually. Treat and seal.

Should I treat before furnishing?

Yes, if possible. It is easier.

Who should fix the gaps?

Ask the builder under the snag list.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on ant control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full ant control guide for Bangalore.