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How to get rid of ants

(and keep them out for good)

Tiny? Yes. A big problem? Also yes.

Here’s everything you should know about ants, including common species, signs of an infestation and the best ways to prevent them.

What are the common signs of an ant infestation?

Ants are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms or other areas with food and moisture. They are attracted to food sources and often nest near moisture sources, including wall voids near hot water pipes, heaters, leaky fixtures or under stacks of firewood outdoors. If you spot a trail of ants, don’t ignore it. Where there are a few, there are likely many others. Always contact a pest control professional if you suspect an infestation.

Not only are ants a nuisance, but they can also pose serious threats by contaminating food and damaging property. Plus, they can spread quickly indoors if unnoticed or left unchecked.

Here are a few tips to prevent ants from entering your space in the first place:

  • Seal cracks and openings
  • Dispose of garbage regularly
  • Clean up any food crumbs or drink spills
  • Store sweets and other dry food in airtight containers
  • Fix leaking pipes to eliminate excess moisture
  • Remove old landscape materials, debris and excess vegetation from your property

Ants are experts at invading the home. If your prevention measures don’t keep them out, call a pest control professional to handle your ant problem. 

Ants vary in size and color, but all share a similar body structure. They have three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen, along with elbowed or bent antennae and six legs. There are more than 700 species, but only about 25 are common invaders inside buildings.  

Ants live in colonies made up of a queen and workers. Colonies can be found underground, inside natural voids, inside logs, firewood or trees and many other places outdoors. Each colony can house thousands of ants. When searching for resources, ants will venture inside homes seeking food, moisture and a stable environment to support their colony.

We’ve got you covered with tips to prevent ants from entering your space.

Ants are experts at invading the home. If your prevention measures don’t keep them out, call a pest control professional to handle your ant problem.

Seal cracks and openings
Dispose of garbage regularly
Clean up food crumbs or drink spills
Store dry food in airtight containers
Fix leaks to eliminate moisture
Remove old landscape materials

Which ant species most commonly cause infestations?

Odorous House Ants

A big fan of sweets, this tiny brown ant ranges in size from one-sixteenth of an inch to one-eighth of an inch and can contaminate food.

Carpenter Ants

If you’re finding piles of fine sawdust, keep an eye out for these tiny pests. They get their name from the way they build nests, by excavating wood and forming smooth tunnels inside of the wood.

Red Imported Fire Ants

Found mostly throughout the Southern part of the U.S., these dark reddish-brown ants can sting and leave painful welts if their nests are bothered. They typically nest in soil near structures or in landscaping and can enter buildings through HVAC systems.

Pavement Ants

These ants appear dark brown to black in color and can be found all throughout the U.S. They get their name from making nests in or under cracks in pavement. Not only found outside, they can also infest structures by nesting in walls, insulation, and under floors.