How To Get Rid Of Bigheaded Ants

Bigheaded ants (genus Pheidole) are a persistent and invasive species that can be difficult to eliminate completely without professional help, but homeowners and business owners can take several effective steps to reduce or even eliminate infestations of these ants on their own. Here is how to get rid of bigheaded ants:

Identify the Infestation Correctly

Before treating, confirm that the ants are indeed bigheaded ants:

Appearance: Workers come in two sizes — minor workers (small, about 1/16 inch) and major workers (larger, about 1/8 inch, with disproportionately large heads).
Behavior: They build loose soil mounds along sidewalks, foundations, and landscaping. Indoors, they trail along baseboards or plumbing lines in search of sweets and proteins.

Proper identification is critical, as control methods vary depending on the species.

Eliminate Food and Water Sources

Bigheaded ants thrive where food and moisture are available.

Indoors: Wipe down counters, sweep crumbs, and store food in airtight containers. Clean up grease and spills immediately.
Outdoors: Keep trash tightly sealed, remove pet food dishes, and avoid leaving sugary drinks or food remnants outside.
Moisture control: Fix leaky faucets, irrigation lines, and drainage issues — ants are attracted to damp soil and standing water.

Locate and Treat Nests

Bigheaded ants often form multiple interconnected colonies. Treating only one mound will not eliminate the infestation.

Look for soil mounds in lawns, cracks, and near foundations.
Use a liquid insecticide labeled for ant control, such as a non-repellent formulation containing fipronil, imidacloprid, or chlorfenapyr. Apply it as a perimeter treatment or mound drench.
Avoid repellent sprays (like pyrethroids) on trails or entry points — these can cause colony splitting and worsen the problem.

Deploy Baits Strategically

Baits are often the most effective DIY solution, as they target the entire colony.

Choose both sugar-based and protein-based baits, since bigheaded ants’ food preferences vary.
Recommended active ingredients include hydramethylnon, indoxacarb, abamectin, or borax (boric acid).

Placement tips:

Set bait stations along foraging trails, near entry points, and near mounds.
Do not spray insecticides near baits, as sprays will repel ants and prevent them from feeding.
Allow several days to weeks for baits to be shared throughout the colony.

Seal Entry Points

Prevent reinfestation by reducing access:

Seal cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and foundation lines.
Repair damaged weather stripping and door sweeps.
Use silicone caulk or fine mesh screens to close small openings.

Manage the Landscape

Bigheaded ants prefer sandy, disturbed soils and thrive under rocks, mulch, and debris.

Trim vegetation and shrubs away from the structure.
Keep mulch depth under 2 inches and maintain a dry buffer zone between soil and foundation.
Remove woodpiles, bricks, and leaf litter where nests may form.

Monitor and Reapply as Needed

Reinspect every 1–2 weeks:

Refresh baits when consumed or dried out.
Reapply liquid treatments per product label instructions, especially after heavy rain.
Continue monitoring even after activity seems to stop — bigheaded ants can rebuild quickly.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Bigheaded Ants

While do-it-yourself treatments can provide temporary relief, bigheaded ants are among the most difficult ant species to eliminate completely without our expert help. Their colony structure, nesting habits, and resilience make our professional intervention the most reliable and cost-effective option in the long term.

Complex Colony Structure: Bigheaded ants form massive, multi-queen colonies with interconnected nests spread across large areas. These colonies can contain thousands of workers and multiple satellite nests, often extending under concrete slabs, driveways, and landscaping. DIY efforts typically reach only the visible mounds, while our pest control professionals have access to specialized non-repellent treatments and colony-targeting baits that reach deep into hidden nest networks.
Access to Advanced Products and Techniques: Our professionals use EPA-regulated products that are stronger, longer-lasting, and more targeted than consumer-grade baits and sprays. We also know when and how to use non-repellent formulations—products that ants unknowingly carry back to the colony, spreading the treatment to queens and larvae. This ensures complete colony elimination, not just short-term reduction.
Expertise in Identification and Treatment Strategy: Bigheaded ants are often misidentified as pavement ants, fire ants, or other soil-nesting species. Accurate identification is crucial because different ants require different baits, active ingredients, and treatment approaches. Our licensed pest control technicians are trained to distinguish ant species, locate hidden colonies, and apply the most effective integrated control plan based on biology, season, and environmental conditions.
Preventive and Long-Term Protection: Our professional pest control programs don’t stop at elimination—we includes ongoing monitoring and barrier maintenance to prevent future infestations. Regular treatments around the structure and landscape create a long-term protective zone that deters re-colonization by nearby nests, ensuring continued protection for your home or business.
Safety and Compliance: Improper use of insecticides can be hazardous to people, pets, and the environment. Our professionals apply products safely, precisely, and in compliance with state and federal regulations, minimizing risks while maximizing effectiveness.

Bigheaded ants are tenacious invaders capable of overtaking yards, driveways, and building interiors if not properly controlled. While homeowners and business owners can manage minor infestations with baits and non-repellent treatments, our professional pest control provides the expertise, tools, and persistence necessary to eliminate colonies completely and prevent future infestations.

Get Rid Of Bigheaded 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!