How To Get Rid Of Ants
Getting rid of ants effectively requires addressing both the immediate infestation and the root cause that’s attracting them. Ants are persistent, and while killing the few you see might offer temporary relief, the colony will continue to send more until the source is eliminated. Here’s a step-by-step process to get rid of ants:
Identify the Ant Species
Different ant species require different approaches. For example:
Odorous house ants (very common indoors) are attracted to sweets.
Carpenter ants can damage wood structures.
Pavement ants nest outdoors but invade kitchens.
Knowing the species helps determine the right treatment strategy.
Eliminate What Attracts Them
Ants generally come inside looking for food, water, or shelter.
Wipe up spills, crumbs, and grease immediately, as ants are attracted to food.
Store food in sealed, airtight containers.
Rinse recyclables before tossing them.
Fix leaky pipes and eliminate standing water.
Empty trash bins regularly and keep lids closed.
Clean Trails
Ants leave behind a pheromone trail to guide others to food. Wipe counters, baseboards, and entry points with vinegar and water or soap and water to disrupt these scent trails.
Seal Entry Points
Check for gaps and cracks around the foundation, doors, windows, and baseboards.
Use caulk, sealant, and/or mortar to close gaps around the foundation, doors, windows, and baseboards.
Replace worn weather-stripping.
Use Baits, Not Sprays
Over the counter ant sprays generally only kill the ants you see. Ant baits allow workers to carry poison back to the colony, targeting the nest and killing the queen and colony.
Use gel baits in cracks and crevices where ants travel.
Place bait stations along trails and near entry points.
Use outdoor ant bait around the perimeter of your home.
Be patient: ant baits are generally pretty slow acting, and can often take weeks for the colony to collapse.
Ant baits contain a slow-acting poison that worker ants will carry back to their nest, killing the queen and colony.
Learn more: Baking Soda And Sugar For Ants
Use Natural Repellents
Essential oils such as peppermint or tea tree oil can be sprayed around entry points to repel ants.
You can also use deterrents like diatomaceous earth or cinnamon.
Learn more: Natural Ant Repellents
Target the Nest Directly If Possible
If you can locate the nest:
Pour boiling water or a mixture of water and soap directly into it.
For carpenter ants, professional treatment is usually necessary since nests are often hidden inside walls or wood.
Maintain Prevention
Once the colony is gone, it is important to keep up with cleanliness, food storage, and sealing entry points to prevent reinfestation.
When To Call The Professionals
If the colony is large, or you see a large increase in ants, evidence of them nesting inside your home, carpenter ants or structural damage, or if ants keep returning despite DIY methods, it's time to contact our team for professional pest control services. Our professional exterminators can identify the species, locate hidden nests, and use professional-grade treatments for long-term control.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Ants
Our professional pest control is the best way to get rid of ants because it provides long-term, comprehensive, and targeted solutions that go far beyond what store-bought sprays or DIY methods can achieve. Ant infestations are often more complex than they appear on the surface, and our professionals are trained to address both the visible problem (the ants you see) and the hidden root causes (the colony and entry points).
Here’s why our professional pest control is the superior option for eliminating ants:
Accurate Identification of Ant Species
Different ant species—such as carpenter ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, or fire ants—require very different treatment methods. Misidentifying the species can lead to ineffective control and wasted effort. Our professionals are trained to:
Identify species based on appearance, nesting habits, and behavior.
Determine whether the ants are wood-destroying, sugar-feeding, or protein-seeking.
Tailor treatment methods accordingly, ensuring precise results.
Colony Elimination, Not Just Surface Treatment
DIY sprays or bait traps may kill a few visible ants but rarely reach the colony. Our professional pest control focuses on eliminating the entire colony, including the queen, which is the source of reproduction. Our experts use:
Targeted bait systems that worker ants carry back to the nest.
Residual and non-repellent treatments that spread through the colony unseen.
Integrated methods that disrupt the colony’s structure and lifecycle.
Long-Term Prevention and Monitoring
Our professionals don’t just kill existing ants—we create barriers to stop future invasions. This includes:
Sealing entry points and identifying conducive conditions (like moisture or food sources).
Establishing perimeter treatments that repel or eliminate new colonies.
Offering ongoing monitoring programs to catch early signs of reinfestation.
Safe and Environmentally Responsible Treatment
Over-the-counter pesticides are often misused, leading to health risks for people, pets, and the environment. We use EPA-approved, professionally regulated products and follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles to:
Minimize pesticide use while maximizing results.
Apply products safely and strategically in key areas only.
Protect your home and family while effectively managing the pest population.
Expertise in Structural and Environmental Factors
Ants often exploit hidden cracks, plumbing lines, wall voids, or foundation gaps. Our professionals know how to locate and address these problem areas through:
Detailed inspections of the property’s structure and landscape.
Moisture and sanitation assessments to identify attractants.
Recommendations for structural repairs or habitat modification to make your property less appealing to ants.
Cost-Effectiveness Over Time
While DIY treatments might seem cheaper initially, recurring infestations often cost more in the long run. Our professional pest control:
Eliminates the problem efficiently the first time.
Prevents property damage (especially from carpenter ants).
Saves time, frustration, and the expense of repeatedly buying ineffective products.
Guaranteed Results and Peace of Mind
We back our services with a re-treatment warranty and satisfaction guarantee. If ants return in between our regularly scheduled services, we will retreat at no extra cost—something DIY methods can’t offer.
Our professional pest control provides precision, safety, and long-term protection, ensuring that the infestation is not only eliminated but that it doesn’t come back. With our expert identification, strategic treatment, and preventive maintenance, it’s the most reliable and effective way to get rid of ants and protect your property.
Get Rid Of Ants With Miche Pest Control
Hiring our team of professionals at Miche Pest Control is an investment in long-term protection, expertise, and peace of mind. Here’s why:
- Personalized Service and Local Expertise: We know the specific pest pressures in the area—such as seasonal rodent activity, regional ant species, or local termite threats. Our technicians understand the environment, climate, and building types common to the area, allowing them to provide targeted, effective treatments.
- High-Quality, Comprehensive Solutions: As a full-service provider, we doe’t just treat surface problems; we address the root causes. From inspections and prevention to exclusion and ongoing maintenance, we deliver complete, integrated pest management (IPM) programs designed to both eliminate infestations and prevent future ones.
- Accountability and Reliability: We live and die by our reputation. We rely on trust, referrals, and repeat business, meaning we're committed to doing the job right the first time and providing exceptional customer care.
- Faster Response Times: We respond quickly to emergencies and schedule services sooner than large, national chains. Especially when you’re dealing with urgent pest issues like rodents or wasps, that speed matters.
- Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our services to your property’s specific needs instead of using one-size-fits-all chemical treatments. This results in safer, more effective pest control that minimizes environmental impact and reduces unnecessary pesticide use.
- Highly Trained, Experienced Technicians: We invest in training, certification, and continuing education for our technicians. We stay current on the latest pest biology, control techniques, and safety standards.
- Long-Term Prevention and Value: Our focus on providing quality service means fewer callbacks, longer-lasting protection, and better value over time. Instead of repeated, temporary fixes, you get strategic solutions that protect your home or business for the long run and provide better peace of mind.
Hiring our team means you get expertise you can trust, faster service, safer and more effective treatments, and long-term results that protect both your property and your peace of mind. Contact us today!