Signs of an ant problem
- Steady trails of ants along kitchen counters, window sills, or baseboards
- Small dirt mounds along the foundation, driveway cracks, or lawn
- Winged swarmers indoors - possible sign of carpenter ants nesting in the structure
- Fine sawdust (frass) below wooden beams or window frames - a carpenter ant red flag
- Rustling sounds inside walls in quiet rooms (large carpenter ant colonies)
How professionals treat ants
- Species identification - odorous house ants, pavement ants, fire ants, and carpenter ants all need different strategies
- Targeted baiting - slow-acting baits foragers carry back to kill the colony and queens
- Non-repellent perimeter treatments - ants cross the treated zone unaware and transfer it colony-wide
- Nest treatment - direct treatment for located carpenter ant or fire ant nests
Treatment methods vary by provider; the independent provider you're connected with will recommend an approach after inspecting your property.
What does it typically cost?
Published cost guides typically show ant treatments from about $100-$300 for common species, with carpenter ant or fire ant programs at the higher end. Quarterly prevention plans commonly run $100-$150 per visit. The provider you're connected with sets their own pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Why do ants keep coming back after I spray?
Over-the-counter repellent sprays kill visible foragers but don't reach the queen - and can cause "budding," where the colony splits into multiple new colonies. Slow-acting professional baits are designed to be carried back and shared until the colony collapses.
Are carpenter ants as bad as termites?
They're slower, but still serious. Carpenter ants don't eat wood - they excavate it for nesting, weakening window frames, decks, and structural members over time. Sawdust-like frass and winged swarmers indoors are the classic signs.
What attracts ants into a house?
Sugars, grease, pet food, and above all moisture. Leaky pipes, damp crawl spaces, and wet wood are magnets - part of professional ant control is pointing out the conditions that invite them.
How long does professional ant treatment take to work?
Bait-based programs typically show a sharp drop in activity within days and colony elimination within one to three weeks, depending on species and colony size.
Other pests: Termite Control · Bed Bug Treatment · Rodent Control · Cockroach Control · Mosquito Control