Common Signs of Ants
- Trails of ants along counters, floors or walls
- Small piles of soil or sawdust-like material (frass) near baseboards
- Ant mounds in the yard or along the foundation
- Winged ants indoors, which may signal a nearby nest
- Ants returning after you clean or spray
Potential Risks and Damage
- Ants can contaminate food in kitchens and pantries
- Carpenter ants can hollow out wood in damp areas
- Fire ants can deliver painful stings
- Spraying visible ants often doesn't reach the colony
When to Get Professional Help
- Ants keep returning despite cleaning and baits
- You see large black ants or sawdust-like debris indoors
- You have fire ant mounds where kids or pets play
- Ants appear in several rooms at once
What to Expect When You Contact a Provider
- Identification of the ant species, which determines the treatment
- An inspection to find trails, entry points and nests
- Treatment options such as baits or targeted exterior treatments
- Advice on reducing what attracts ants to your home
Prevention Tips
- Wipe counters and sweep floors to remove crumbs
- Store sweets and pet food in sealed containers
- Seal cracks around windows, doors and the foundation
- Fix moisture problems and leaky pipes
- Trim plants and branches away from the house
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do ants keep coming back?
Sprays usually kill only the ants you see. The colony and queen remain, so new workers keep arriving until the nest is treated.
Are carpenter ants as bad as termites?
Carpenter ants don't eat wood, but they can tunnel through it, especially damp wood. A provider can assess any damage.
Does PestXpertz treat ants?
No. PestXpertz connects you with independent providers who perform inspections and treatments.
Other Pest Control Services
PestXpertz is a free service that helps connect homeowners with independent, third-party pest control service providers, subject to availability. We do not perform pest control services ourselves and are not affiliated with the service providers. All services are provided by independently owned and operated businesses.