Getting rid of ants for good means removing the colony, not just the ants you see, and fixing the conditions that drew them in. For most household ants, that means identifying the species, using baits that workers carry back to the nest, sealing entry points and cutting off food and moisture, then watching for new trails. Saela Pest Control, a residential and commercial pest control company based in Orem, Utah, includes ant control among its services. No method makes a home ant-proof forever, so this guide covers what lasting control realistically looks like and when professional ant control is worth it.
Why Ants Keep Getting Into Homes
Ants become a problem because one colony can send a steady stream of workers inside once a scout finds food or water. Scouts lay a scent trail that others follow, which is how a few ants turn into a line along a counter. Ants come indoors for food, water, warmth and shelter, or to escape hot, dry weather or flooding, according to UC IPM’s guide to ants.
The ants you see are foragers. The queens and young stay in a nest inside a wall, under a floor or outdoors near the foundation.
That is why spraying a trail rarely solves the problem: the colony keeps producing workers, and species with many queens, such as Argentine ants, have plenty left to rebuild.
Weather often explains a sudden invasion. Rain floods outdoor nests and dry spells send ants looking for water, so activity that seems to appear overnight usually started outside.
Common Ant Species and How to Tell Them Apart
Identifying the ant comes first, because each species nests and feeds differently and responds to different treatments. A bait one species eats readily may be ignored by another. The species below are common in and around homes, and Saela’s page on common household ants has photos and more detail.
Carpenter ants are large, black or bicolored ants; University of Maryland Extension puts workers at 1/4 to 1/2 inch. They don’t eat wood but hollow out damp or decaying wood to nest, and coarse sawdust like pencil shavings usually means a nest is close.
Red imported fire ant workers are dark reddish brown and 1/16 to 1/5 inch long, and University of California’s fire ant guide notes that they quickly climb onto and sting anything touching their mound or food source. Keep children and pets away from mounds, and seek emergency care for anyone who has chest pain, nausea, dizziness or shock after being stung.
Odorous house ants are small, dark brown to black ants with a strong odor when crushed. They love sweets and often keep several nests in wall voids and near pipes.
Pharaoh ants are tiny, yellow to orange ants that nest indoors in wall and cabinet voids. UC IPM’s ant pest note says they prefer protein or greasy baits year-round.
Argentine ants are small, dull brown ants that travel in long, busy trails. UC IPM notes their colonies link into one supercolony with multiple queens, which is why they return in large numbers.
Signs It’s Time to Call an Ant Exterminator
A few stray ants usually don’t need a professional. Repeated trails, ants in several rooms, signs of carpenter ants or ants that return after baiting all point to an established colony that is close, large or hard to reach, and treating only the ants you see is unlikely to last.
Trails that return a few days after you clean them mean an active colony is nearby.
Different species in different rooms point to conditions that suit ants in general, such as moisture or gaps, which a broader pest control service can address.
Ants coming out of outlets or switches are traveling inside a wall. Don’t spray into electrical boxes; have the source traced instead.
Ants that survive store-bought baits usually mean the bait didn’t suit the species, other food was easier to reach, or there are more nests than expected.
Carpenter ant signs need prompt attention: sawdust near wood, or winged ants indoors, which University of Maryland Extension says suggest a nest in the home. Their tunnels are smooth and clean, unlike mud-packed termite galleries.
How Professional Ant Control Works
Professional ant control works by finding and treating the colony, then correcting the conditions that let ants in. At Saela, that follows an integrated pest management cycle: identify the pest, monitor activity, apply targeted treatment and evaluate the results, then adjust the plan based on what the evaluation shows.
What the Inspection Looks For
A useful inspection answers three questions: which ant it is, where the nest is and how the ants are getting in. Every Saela plan includes a 50+ point property inspection covering entry points, nesting sites and structural gaps, the places colonies tend to hide.
Inside, technicians follow trails into kitchens, bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces and wall voids; outside, they check the foundation, mulch beds and trees.
Identification decides the treatment, because carpenter ants, sweet-feeding ants and fire ants each need a different method.
The inspection also records leaks, damp wood, open food, gaps and plants against the foundation, the conditions that bring ants back.
The findings become a plan that fits the species, the property and whether children or pets live there.
Treatment Methods Professionals Use
Most professional ant treatments combine baits, targeted applications and exclusion rather than a single spray. The mix depends on the species, where the nest is and whether activity is indoors, outdoors or both, which is why the inspection comes before any product goes down.
Liquid treatments go in targeted spots outside, such as entry points and trails. UC IPM advises against broad outdoor pyrethroid spraying on hard surfaces and foundations because it pollutes waterways.
Baits use the colony’s food sharing against it. UC IPM explains that workers carry bait to the nest and pass it to larvae and queens, and that it can take 5 to 10 days to see fewer ants.
Dusts reach wall voids and other enclosed spaces where baits and liquids can’t.
Outdoor nests and mounds can be treated directly, following the product label.
Exclusion makes treatment last: sealing gaps, fixing leaks and trimming plants back, which is part of Saela’s IPM approach to reducing food, water and shelter.
Why Follow-Up Visits Matter
One treatment rarely finishes an ant problem, because baits take time and a second nest may show up once the first is gone. A follow-up visit checks whether activity has dropped, refreshes baits where ants are still feeding and adjusts the plan, which is the evaluation step of the IPM cycle.
While a plan is active, Saela offers no-charge return visits for covered pests between scheduled services.
A technician should also leave prevention advice in four areas:
- Food: wipe up crumbs and spills, and store food in sealed containers
- Moisture: fix leaks and keep water draining away from the foundation
- Entry points: caulk gaps around the foundation, windows, doors and utility lines
- Landscaping: pull mulch back and trim branches that touch the house
For ants that return every season, Saela’s Protection Program includes interior and exterior treatments with every-other-month or quarterly visits; covered pests vary by plan.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Ant Exterminator
The main benefits of hiring a professional are accurate identification, methods suited to the species and a plan that addresses why ants got in. For one small trail, doing it yourself may be enough, but for persistent, widespread, stinging or wood-damaging ants, those benefits matter more.
Expertise and Proper Identification
Correct identification prevents the most common DIY mistake: using a product the ants won’t take, or one that scatters the colony. A trained technician can tell odorous house ants from Argentine ants, or winged ants from termite swarmers, and then choose a method that fits the species.
Behavior tells a technician where to look; carpenter ants favor damp wood, so a leak is often the best lead to their nest.
At Saela, protocols come from Dennis Weiss, Saela’s board-certified entomologist, who holds the Entomological Society of America’s Board Certified Entomologist credential and also trains technicians and audits service quality.
Winged ants and termite swarmers can appear in the same season but need different treatments, such as Saela’s termite control packages, so get them identified first.
Products and How They’re Applied
Professionals can use some products that aren’t sold to homeowners, but the bigger advantage is knowing which product suits the species and where to place it. A well-chosen bait in the right spot usually does more than a stronger spray in the wrong one, and placement is where training shows most.
Every pesticide carries a label that sets how it may be used; ask what was applied and how long to stay off treated areas.
Baits belong where ants feed, out of reach of children and pets, and not on surfaces already treated with insecticide.
Iowa State University Extension notes that not all species take sugary baits, so professionals switch bait types when ants ignore one.
Treating the Cause, Not Just the Ants
The approach that lasts treats both the colony and the conditions that support it. If a leak, gap or mulch bed stays as it is, a new colony can move into the same spot, so a plan that only treats the ants you see today rarely holds up for long.
A good plan combines baits indoors, targeted treatment outside and repairs you make yourself.
Fixing moisture, food access and entry points is the least expensive part of ant control.
Ask your technician to show you where ants were getting in and what to watch for.
Read the written plan before you sign, so you know which pests are covered and how follow-up visits work.
DIY vs. Professional Ant Control: When to Call the Experts
Doing it yourself works for small, recent ant problems in one area, especially sweet-feeding ants that take store-bought baits. Call a professional when ants keep returning, show up in several rooms, damage wood, sting or affect a large or commercial property. The two sections below cover each case.
When DIY Ant Control Can Work
DIY can work when you see a few ants in one area, the activity is recent and there’s no sign of wood damage. Find what drew them in and clean it up, then place baits where the ants are feeding. Saela’s ant pest control checklist walks through each step.
Iowa State’s guide to ant baits advises placing baits next to where ants are seen and not using cleaners or insecticides around them. Expect a feeding frenzy at first, and let the ants feed rather than killing them.
Clean up crumbs and spills, store food sealed and wipe trails with soapy water, as UC IPM recommends, to remove the scent trail.
Vinegar or essential oils may interrupt a trail briefly, but they don’t reach the nest; keep them away from baits.
Outdoor nests that aren’t causing problems can often be left alone, since UC IPM calls eliminating ants from an outdoor area unrealistic.
When to Call Professional Ant Exterminators
Call a professional when DIY hasn’t worked after a fair trial, when the ant could damage your home or hurt someone, or when the problem is too large or spread out to bait well. UC IPM’s advice is that if a problem persists, the best option is to hire a pest management professional trained in integrated pest management.
Ants that return after several rounds of bait usually mean more nests, or a nest store-bought products can’t reach.
For severe carpenter ant infestations, University of Maryland Extension recommends finding the nest and having a professional treat it directly.
Activity in several rooms suggests several nests, which a coordinated plan handles better than chasing each trail.
Fire ants where children or pets play are a good reason to get help; ask how mounds are treated and when the yard can be used again.
Larger sites usually need a planned program, and Saela runs commercial pest control programs for food service, offices, retail and multifamily properties.
What to Expect When Hiring an Ant Exterminator
When you hire a provider for ant control, expect an inspection and a plan first, then treatment, then at least one check on the results. Knowing the steps helps you prepare, ask useful questions and judge whether the service is working. Here is what usually happens at each stage.
The First Visit and Inspection
The first visit usually combines a conversation and an inspection. Be ready to say where you’ve seen ants, when it started, what you’ve tried and whether children, pets or anyone with sensitivities live in the home, since each of these shapes the plan.
Point out every spot where you’ve seen ants, including outlets and windowsills.
The technician then inspects inside and out, from kitchens and crawl spaces to the foundation and yard.
They identify the species, look for nests and note what is feeding the problem.
Ask for the species, likely nest sites, the products and how they’ll be applied, and what results to expect.
Get a written quote and service agreement covering scope, covered pests, return visits and re-entry times.
What Happens During Treatment
On treatment day, the technician carries out the plan from the inspection, often starting outside and then treating indoor areas where ants were active. How long it takes depends on the size of the home, how widespread the activity is and how many nests were found during the inspection.
Finish any preparation you were asked to do, such as clearing space under sinks or securing pets.
Outside, treatment targets the foundation, entry points, trails and any nests found.
Inside, it focuses on baits along trails, crack-and-crevice treatments and dusts in voids where needed.
A good technician explains each step and points out conditions you can fix.
Before leaving, they should say what to expect next and leave a written record of the service and products applied.
After Treatment: What Results Look Like
With a bait-based treatment, the normal result is fewer ants over days to weeks, not an instant end to activity. Seeing more ants near baits for a short time is common, so avoid spraying or cleaning around the baits while they work. If activity hasn’t dropped by the follow-up, the plan should change.
Early results vary. In a July 2019 Google review, Anne DeBrie wrote that Saela’s team “came back when they said they would to follow up.”
At the follow-up, the technician checks key areas, asks what you’ve seen and adjusts the plan.
That may mean refreshing baits, treating a newly found nest or sealing places where ants still get in.
Between visits, note where and when you see ants, and take a photo to help with identification.
For why ants return and how to reduce repeat problems, see why ants keep coming back and how to stop them.
What Ant Extermination Costs and How to Choose a Provider
The cost of ant extermination depends on the species, how widespread the activity is, the size of the property and whether you choose a one-time treatment or ongoing service. Price matters, but compare what each quote covers, including follow-ups and return visits, before comparing totals.
What Affects the Price
There’s no single price for ant control. Saela quotes based on pest type, location, property size, visit frequency and treatment products, and its pricing page explains how plans are set up rather than listing a universal price. A quote after an inspection is more reliable than a phone estimate.
Larger properties, outbuildings and landscaped areas take more time and material.
Several colonies, or carpenter ants in the structure, are bigger jobs than one kitchen trail.
Crawl spaces, attics and wall voids can add time.
Location affects which ants are common and what service costs.
Combining baits, exterior treatment and exclusion can cost more upfront but addresses more of the reasons ants return.
A plan with no-charge return visits for covered pests can cost less overall than paying for each extra trip.
How to Choose an Ant Exterminator
Choose an ant exterminator by checking licensing, credentials, experience with your species, the service agreement and independent reviews, not price alone. A provider who explains the species, the plan and what happens if ants return is usually a better choice than one who only quotes a spray.
Confirm the state license and certified technicians. QualityPro’s directory of accredited companies lists Saela, and its listed Saela entries show GreenPro service certification; check the entry for your branch.
Ask how they’d handle your species, and why.
Read the guarantee for what’s covered, for how long and under what conditions.
Look for patterns across customer reviews and listings. Saela’s Altamonte Springs, Florida location, for example, is rated 4.9 out of 5 from 341 Google reviews as of October 2026; each location has its own score.
Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
Notice how clearly the first visit is explained.
How to Keep Ants Away After Treatment
Keeping ants away after treatment comes down to removing food, water and entry points and checking regularly for new trails. Prevention doesn’t guarantee that ants never return, especially from outdoors, but it makes your home less attractive and helps you catch new activity while it’s small.
Inside the Home
Inside, focus on the three things ants come in for: food, water and shelter. Most indoor prevention is routine cleaning and small repairs, and it works best when you keep it up all year rather than starting only after ants appear.
Wipe counters, sweep after meals and clean sugary spills promptly.
Store food, including pet food, in clean, sealed containers rather than bags or open packages.
Use trash cans with tight lids and keep outdoor bins away from the house.
Fix leaks and condensation; damp areas attract several species, including carpenter ants.
Seal foundation cracks and gaps around utility lines, doors and windows.
Around the Yard
Outside, the goal is to keep ants from nesting against the house and to remove the bridges they use to get in. Most of this is routine yard maintenance that takes little time, and it supports any exterior treatment a provider applies.
Trim plants and branches so they don’t touch the house.
Keep mulch thin and pulled back from the foundation.
Treat mounds near play areas with a product labeled for that ant, or ask your provider.
Clean outdoor eating areas and pick up fallen fruit and pet food.
Keep firewood on a rack, off the ground and away from the house.
In warm months, walk the foundation every few weeks looking for new trails, mounds or sawdust.
The Bottom Line on Getting Rid of Ants
In practical terms, getting rid of ants for good means eliminating the colonies you have and making your home a poor place for new ones. That takes correct identification, treatment that reaches the nest and steady prevention afterward, whether you handle a small problem yourself or hire professional ant control.
Identify the ant, find the nest and entry points, treat, then check and adjust.
DIY baits suit small, recent problems; persistent, wood-damaging or stinging ants are worth an inspection.
Prevention is ongoing: food, moisture, gaps and landscaping.
No treatment can promise that ants never return, so treat a new trail as a reason to check, not a failure.
If ants keep returning or you’ve found signs of carpenter ants, book a call to schedule an ant inspection with Saela.
Who wrote this article?
Devin Hutchings (Marketing Director at Saela Pest Control) wrote this article.
Devin leads Saela’s marketing and growth strategy. He brings more than 15 years of marketing experience across Uber, C.R. England, Lugg, and Neighbor. His background spans customer acquisition, retention, and developing marketing channels for service businesses and consumer marketplaces.
