Temps and termites are on the rise. Schedule your free inspection today.

800-937-8398 Call us for a free quote Contact us

Common signs of ant infestations

Ant infestations are relatively common, and once they take hold, they can be difficult to eliminate. We all see ants in the yard from time to time, but how do you know if you’ve got an infestation? Learn the common signs of an ant infestation and when it might be time for professional help.

Are ants dangerous?

Ant infestations can be problematic for both homeowners and businesses. Although most ants aren’t dangerous, they can still create health, hygiene, and property concerns if left unchecked. Some species may carry bacteria as they travel between surfaces, and carpenter ants are known for damaging wood structures. Ants also spread quickly by forming new colonies, making infestations difficult to control without professional help.

Ant infestations may:

  • Infest and contaminate food and food-serving areas
  • Spread bacteria and disease-causing organisms
  • Contaminate sterile environments such as hospitals or food processing facilities
  • Damage the reputation of businesses and brands

At Western Exterminator, we understand how frustrating ant infestations can be and will work with you to help keep ants out of your home or business.

Signs of ants around your home

Live ants

If you’re seeing large numbers of live ants, then you may well have a problem. If you find them in your kitchen or in areas where you prepare food, then you need to do something about it fast.

Ant pathways

In and out of your home or premises is another sign. Some types of ants will lay down a pheromone trail to a food source. This chemical attracts other ants to find the food.

Ant nest

A nest site can look like a small pile of soil or dirt. Some species of ants like to make their home in walls or other quiet, dark places, which are more difficult to spot.

Dirt

It is quite common to find small heaps of earth or dirt, usually found around nest sites, when ants infest a property.

Wood shavings

If you notice small piles of wood shavings near baseboards, window sills, or wooden furniture, you may have a carpenter ant infestation. These ants don’t eat wood but burrow into it to create their nests.

Structural damage

Over time, an ant infestation can cause damage to the integrity of your home. Carpenter ants, in particular, weaken wood structures. This can compromise floors, walls, and support beams.

Call Western Exterminator at 800-937-8398 to talk to an expert about ant control or contact us online.

Common ant species that infest houses

Several ant species commonly cause ant infestations in homes, including:

These ants are known for burrowing into wood and causing structural damage.

As suggested by their name, these ants have a peculiar musty smell when crushed.

These common species are often found near driveways, sidewalks, and foundations.

Why are there ants in my house?

No one wants to discover an ant infestation in their home. There are a number of reasons that ants are in your house: 

  • Crumbs left uncleaned and food (even pet food) left out
  • A cracked foundation
  • Vegetation growing too close to your home
  • Excess moisture
  • Seeking shelter from warm weather

Our technicians know that these pests can enter your home for multiple reasons and will take time to explore all possible causes of the infestation. Your technician will get to the root of the problem and help you take the necessary steps to get rid of the ants.

How to prevent future infestations

Preventing ants requires a mix of good sanitation, sealing entry points, and regular checks for early signs of activity. A few simple steps can help reduce the chances of ants entering and settling in your home.

  • Keep your home clean and food sealed – Wipe up spills, sweep floors, and store food in sealed containers to remove attractants.
  • Seal cracks and entry points – Close gaps around doors, windows, and foundations where ants may enter.
  • Schedule regular inspections – Routine pest control inspections can help detect early signs of ant activity before it becomes a larger issue.

We don’t just eliminate infestations; they help prevent them from occurring in the future, too.

Dealing with ants? We can help

Ant infestations can grow rapidly; you don’t have to deal with them alone. Our technicians are trained to identify ant species, locate where they’re entering your home or business, and recommend the most effective approach. We offer a range of solutions, including both chemical and non-chemical treatments, targeted baits, and habitat modifications, all tailored to the specific infestation.

Along with ant control treatments, our technicians provide practical advice to help reduce conditions that attract ants and lower the chances of future infestations. Our approach is based on integrated pest management (IPM), which focuses on inspection, monitoring, prevention, and targeted treatments to help protect your property from ants over the long term.

Have you seen ants indoors?

Call Western Exterminator to schedule an ant inspection of your home or business.

 Frequently asked questions

An ant infestation occurs when ants establish a colony inside or around your home. Seeing a few ants may not be a problem, but when you notice a steady swarm of them, it often signals an infestation. Ants are social insects, and they communicate through pheromone trails, allowing them to form large groups quickly.

An ant problem becomes an infestation when ants are seen regularly or in large numbers, especially if they are forming visible trails to food or entering your home from the same locations. This often means a nearby colony has established a reliable food source. Because ants can quickly create multiple colonies, infestations can grow rapidly without professional treatment.

To eliminate an ant infestation, identify the species, remove food sources, seal entry points, and use baits or treatments. Professional extermination is often the most effective solution.

Ants enter homes when they forage for food, water, or shelter. Changes in weather, unsealed food, or gaps in walls and foundations can lead to a sudden infestation.

Crazy ants are highly adaptable and difficult to control. Baits may not always work, so professional treatment with specialized products is often necessary for full eradication.

An ant infestation can last weeks or months, depending on the species and the effectiveness of control measures. Without intervention, infestations may persist indefinitely.

Find your local branch

Enjoy year-round pest protection with PestFree365+. See how our home pest control plan helps protect you and your family from 39 common pests.