Ants are one of the most common pests in U.S. homes and businesses — and one of the most persistent. They live in large colonies, forage constantly, and don't leave once they've found a reliable food or water source.
Since 1921, Western Exterminator has been helping homeowners and businesses tackle ant problems for good. We use integrated pest management (IPM) methods to help identify the species, locate the colony, and apply the right treatment — built around your specific situation, not a generic fix.
Getting rid of ants for good often takes more than a quick spray. Our process is thorough, targeted, and built around long-term results — not short-term fixes.
Every treatment starts with a thorough inspection of your property. Your technician will:
Once we know what we're dealing with, your technician will put together a customized plan. Depending on the species and extent of the infestation, this may include:
Treating the current infestation is only part of the job. We'll also:
Call now to book your free inspection.
Ants are social insects. What looks like a few stragglers in the kitchen could be a sign of a much larger colony nearby. The longer an infestation is left untreated, the harder it can be to control, and the following risks are harder to manage:
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Not sure what type of ant you're dealing with? Our ant identification guide could help in identifying the species.
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Keep food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs and spills promptly, and seal any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines. Reducing moisture and keeping vegetation away from the exterior of your home can also help. These steps lower the risk, but if ants have already established a colony nearby, a professional ant exterminator may be necessary.
The most effective way is to target the colony, not just the ants you can see. Professionals will locate the nest, identify the species, and apply treatments that target the entire colony. Ongoing protection through a plan like PestFree365 can also help prevent ants from returning.
Ants can contaminate food, cause structural damage, and in some cases, pose a stinging risk. Left untreated, colonies grow quickly and become harder to control. Acting on an infestation early is always the better option.
Ants are drawn to food, water, and shelter. Crumbs, spills, open food containers, leaking pipes, and damp areas are all common attractants. Entry points like cracks in walls, gaps around doors, and utility lines give them easy access inside.
DIY options can offer short-term relief, but they rarely address the root cause of the problem. In some cases — particularly with pharaoh ants — the wrong treatment can trigger budding, where the colony splits and spreads, making things worse. Professional treatment is the more reliable route for lasting results.
It depends on the species. Baiting systems are highly effective for many ant types, as the ants carry the bait back to the colony. Other species respond better to nest treatments or barrier applications. That's why correct identification is so important — the right treatment for one species may not work for another.
Professional pest control is sensible, especially for persistent or recurring infestations. Professional treatment targets the source of the problem, not just the symptoms, and can help prevent potentially costly damage or treatments once untreated ant colonies grow.
Common signs include visible ant trails, small piles of debris or soil near nesting sites, damaged food packaging, and discarded wings near windows or doors (a sign of a new colony establishing itself). We can help confirm the presence of an infestation with a free ant inspection.
Most ants are more of a nuisance than a direct health threat, but some species do pose risks. Some species, like fire ants, can sting and cause reactions. If you’ve been stung and you’re worried about any symptoms, seek medical attention.
Other species, like carpenter ants, can cause structural damage by boring into wooden structures and causing weaknesses.
* Treatments and Covered Pests defined in your Plan. Limitations apply. See Plan for details. Advertised guarantee for one time treatment is limited to 30 days following service.
¹ Covered Pests defined in your Plan. Auotpay is required. Voles and fire ants are only covered if they are in the home, we will not treat the lawn. Single family, free-standing, owner-occupied homes only. Other limitations apply. See Plan for details.
² Participating locations only. Requires purchase of a new PestFree365 or PestFree365+ agreement. Autopay required. Single-family, free-standing, owner-occupied homes only. Offer may not be combined with other offers or discounts. Other limitations and terms apply. See Plan for details.