When To Call an Exterminator for Ants

Ants may be tiny, but they can quickly become a big problem for homeowners when they invade living spaces. Some species, like fire ants, even pose health risks with their painful stings. Knowing when to call in professional help for an ant problem can save homeowners time and money. This guide will explore the signs of an ant infestation, common types of household ants, the damage they can cause, and when it’s time to enlist the expertise of an exterminator.

How To Identify a Home Ant Infestation

Spotting a few ants here and there might not be cause for alarm, but certain signs indicate a more serious infestation that requires attention. Homeowners should be on the lookout for these telltale signs of ant activity:

• Regularly seeing groups of ants, rather than just one or two strays
• Lines or trails of ants marching to and from a food source
• Small piles, nests, or mounds of soil or sawdust-like material in or around the home
• Wood shavings and piles of fine wood particles near wooden structures
• Faint noises or rustling sounds within walls or floors

If homeowners notice these signs despite DIY efforts, it’s a sign you should call an exterminator.

Types of Ants and How They Get Into Homes

Understanding the different types of ants that commonly infest homes can help homeowners identify which ones are inside your home and the best way to address the infestation. Here are some of the most common ant invaders and their typical entry points:

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are one of the most destructive ant species for homes. These reddish-black ants prefer cool, wet climates and can cause significant structural damage over time. They enter the house through various cracks and gaps, which they often reach from low-hanging branches. 

Pavement Ants

These small, dark-colored ants are often seen emerging from cracks in driveways or sidewalks. While they don’t cause structural damage, they can contaminate food if they infest kitchens. Pavement ants usually enter homes through gaps in foundation walls, spaces around doors and windows, or cracks in basement floors.

Argentine Ants

Argentine ants are an invasive species found primarily in the southeastern United States. They form large colonies and can disrupt local ecosystems. These ants typically invade homes through small cracks and gaps in walls and around doors and windows.

Fire Ants

Known for their painful stings, fire ants are a serious concern for many homeowners, especially those with allergies. They usually build their nests outdoors but enter homes through various gaps, especially around utility lines.

Odorous House Ants

These small black or brown ants emit a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed. They often nest in wall voids or under floors. Like most ants, they come in through cracks in walls and foundations, around windows and doors, or improperly sealed pipes and utilities. 

Crazy Ants

Named for their erratic movement patterns, crazy ants are attracted to electrical equipment and can cause short circuits. They can enter your home through potted plants.

Where Do Ants Hide?

Ants are masters at finding cozy spots to set up their colonies within homes. They seek out areas that provide shelter, access to food and water, and protection from predators. It’s common to find them in wall voids, behind baseboards, under kitchen appliances, in crawl spaces, attics, electrical boxes, and around plumbing fixtures. Homeowners should pay special attention to these areas when looking for signs of an infestation or when applying DIY treatments.

Ant Damage

While most ant species are more of a nuisance than a threat to structural integrity, some types can cause significant damage to homes and buildings. Carpenter ants, in particular, pose a serious risk to wooden structures.

Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood, but they excavate it to create nests. Over time, this can weaken support beams, door frames, window sills, and other wooden elements. A large carpenter ant colony can hollow out substantial portions of wood, potentially leading to costly repairs.

Other ant species, while less destructive, can still cause problems. They can damage insulation or contaminate food storage areas. They also like to nest in electrical equipment and create dirt mounds in areas around the foundation and basement. 

DIY Vs. Professional Ant Solutions

Many homeowners attempt to tackle ant problems with DIY methods before calling in professionals. Over-the-counter bait traps work well for mild infestations, but you shouldn’t rely on them in bad cases. It also helps to seal cracks or gaps with caulk. 

While these methods might be effective for minor infestations, they may fall short when dealing with large or persistent ant colonies. If DIY efforts don’t yield results after a few weeks or if the ant problem seems to be worsening, it’s time to consider professional help.

How Exterminators Get Rid of Ants

Professional exterminators have access to more potent treatments and possess the expertise to effectively eliminate ant colonies. Their approach typically involves doing an inspection to identify ant species and entry points, developing a custom treatment plan, applying professional-grade baits that target the entire ant colony, and applying a perimeter treatment around the exterior of your home.

Exterminators may also do follow-up visits to monitor the situation and reapply treatments if neccessary.

How Exterminators Get Rid of Ants in Walls

Dealing with ants nesting inside walls presents unique challenges. Exterminators use specialized techniques to reach these hidden colonies, like drilling small holes into the wall to apply insecticide directly into nesting areas or using foam insecticides to fill wall voids. They may also apply liquid treatments through electrical outlets and switch plates or set up bait stations near suspected entry points. 

These methods allow exterminators to target ants effectively without causing significant damage to the home’s structure.

How Long Do Exterminators Take to Get Rid of Ants?

The time it takes to eliminate an ant problem depends on various factors, including the size of the infestation and the species of ant involved. Typically, the initial treatment by an exterminator takes about two hours for an average-size home.

However, complete eradication of an ant colony may take several days to a few weeks. This is because the bait and insecticides need time to work their way through the entire colony.

How Much Does an Exterminator Cost for Ants?

The cost of professional ant extermination can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of the infestation, the size of the property, and the type of treatment required. According to Angi, on average, homeowners can expect to pay between $80 and $500 for a one-time ant treatment.

For ongoing pest control services, which often include quarterly or monthly treatments, costs will vary according to what’s needed in your specific case. While a pest control plan may seem like a significant investment, it can save money in the long run by preventing more severe infestations and potential property damage.

Final Thoughts on When to Call an Exterminator for Ants

Dealing with ants can be a frustrating experience for homeowners, but knowing when to call in professional help can make all the difference. While you can often resolve minor ant issues with DIY methods, persistent infestations or signs of structural damage warrant the expertise of a professional exterminator. Remember, when it comes to ant control, early intervention can prevent small issues from becoming big ones down the line.