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Ant Control

Ants are the most common pest in Sacramento, Argentine ants form massive colonies that invade homes, while Carpenter ants cause structural damage.

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Closeup of an ant on a leaf
Local Ant Experts

Sacramento's Ant Problem

Ants are one of the most common pests in Sacramento, Roseville, and the greater Sacramento area. Argentine ants form massive colonies that invade homes seeking water during hot summer months. Carpenter ants can cause structural damage similar to termites by hollowing out wood to build their nests. With Sacramento's hot, dry summers, ants are constantly seeking moisture and food sources inside homes, making them a year-round nuisance for homeowners.

Identification Guide

Types of Ants in Sacramento

Several ant species are common in the Sacramento area. Identifying the correct species is critical for choosing the most effective treatment strategy.

Argentine Ants

Argentine Ants

Form supercolonies with millions of workers. Sacramento's most common household ant. They invade in massive numbers seeking water and sugar, especially during hot summer months.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter Ants

Large black ants that hollow out wood to build nests. They don't eat wood like termites but cause similar structural damage. Look for small piles of wood shavings (frass) near baseboards.

Pavement Ants

Pavement Ants

Small dark brown ants that nest in cracks in driveways, sidewalks, and foundations. They create small dirt mounds at pavement joints.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous House Ants

Named for the rotten coconut smell they produce when crushed. They nest indoors near moisture sources like kitchens and bathrooms.

Warning Signs

Signs of an Ant Infestation

Recognizing these signs early can help prevent a small ant problem from becoming a major infestation.

Ant trails like this one are a clear indicator of an active infestation. Following the trail can help identify the colony's entry point into your home.

Pointer Pest Control technician applying exterior ant treatment

Visible Ant Trails

Long lines of ants marching to and from food or water sources. Ant trails often follow edges of walls, countertops, and baseboards as workers travel between the colony and resources.

Small Dirt Mounds

Small piles of dirt or sand near your foundation, in driveway cracks, or along sidewalks. These mounds indicate active ant colonies nesting nearby.

Wood Shavings Near Baseboards

Fine wood shavings (frass) found near baseboards, window frames, or door frames are a telltale sign of carpenter ants hollowing out wood to build their nests.

Ants in Kitchen or Bathroom

Finding ants near water sources in kitchens and bathrooms is a common sign of infestation. Ants are drawn to moisture, especially during Sacramento's hot, dry summers.

Winged Ants Indoors

Seeing winged ants (swarmers) inside your home indicates a mature colony nearby that is producing new queens to establish additional colonies.

Prevention

How to Get Rid of Ants

Follow these proven strategies to reduce and eliminate ant activity around your home.

Seal Entry Points

Seal cracks and entry points around your foundation, windows, and doors. Ants can enter through the tiniest gaps to access food and water inside your home.

Clean Up Food Spills

Clean up food spills immediately and wipe down countertops regularly. Even small crumbs can attract scout ants that lead entire colonies to your kitchen.

Store Food Properly

Store food in sealed containers and keep ripe fruit in the refrigerator. Open food packages and pet food bowls are major attractants for ants.

Trim Vegetation

Trim tree branches and shrubs away from your home exterior. Vegetation touching your house creates bridges that ants use to access your roof and walls.

Fix Moisture Issues

Fix leaky pipes and faucets, and remove standing water sources. Argentine ants are especially attracted to moisture during Sacramento's dry summer months.

Remove Standing Water

Eliminate standing water from planters, birdbaths, and clogged gutters. Reducing available water sources makes your property less attractive to ant colonies.

Regular Barrier Treatment

A professional ant barrier treatment plan creates a protective perimeter around your home, preventing ants from establishing trails and colonies near your property.

Professional Help

Professional Ant Control

With over 20 years of experience in the Greater Sacramento area, we're your friendly and reliable ant control experts. Our service is backed by the Pointer Promise Warranty with free unlimited treatments in between.

Common Questions

Ant Control FAQs

Answers from our technicians based on 20+ years of ant control experience across Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and Yolo counties.

What does an ant treatment include?
We start with a thorough inspection of both the interior and exterior of your home. The goal is to locate active colonies on the exterior so we can treat the problem at its root. Inside, we treat wherever we find trailing ants or signs of activity. If the activity level requires it, we return for a repeat treatment after 7 to 10 days.
What products do you use for ant control?
On the exterior, we apply a non-repellent barrier product that lasts 30 to 60 days, along with granular bait placed in specific areas depending on the ant species. Inside, we use a non-repellent spray combined with a sugary gel bait designed to attract ants and eliminate the colony from the inside out.
How long does ant treatment take to work?
Most customers see a significant reduction within the first week. If activity levels are still high, we return for a follow-up treatment after 7 to 10 days at no extra charge. The non-repellent products we use allow ants to carry the treatment back to the colony, which is what eliminates the problem long-term.
Is ant control included in the bi-monthly plan?
Yes. Ant control is included in every bi-monthly service plan. Each visit includes a full exterior barrier treatment and interior treatment as needed. If you see ants between scheduled visits, we come back for free under the Pointer Promise Warranty.
What is the biggest mistake homeowners make with ants?
The number one mistake is using over-the-counter spray products that are repellents rather than non-repellents. Repellent products kill ants on contact, but they cause the colony to split and multiply into new colonies for survival. This increases ant activity and makes the problem worse. Non-repellent products allow ants to unknowingly carry the treatment back to the colony.
When is ant season in Sacramento?
Ant calls spike in spring and summer when the weather warms up. However, fall and winter ant problems are less common but more difficult to treat because ants embed inside wall voids and deeper underground during cooler months. Ants are a year-round threat in the Sacramento area.
How do you handle carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are treated similarly to other species but are more serious because they damage your home's structure by boring into wood. Signs include visible wood damage and fine sawdust-like particles near baseboards or window frames. After treatment, if there is serious structural damage, we recommend bringing in a licensed contractor for repairs.
Can you share a real ant treatment example?
We had a frustrated customer switch to Pointer Pest Control because their previous pest company could not solve their ant problem for over four months. Using our non-repellent products, targeted bait placements, and IPM approach, we solved the issue within 30 days with just two treatments.
How quickly can you respond to an ant emergency?
For severe ant situations, we offer same-day service or response within 24 hours. Call us at 916-892-0005 and we will get a technician to your home as quickly as possible.
Service Areas

Ant Control in Your City

We provide professional ant control throughout Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and Yolo counties. Find ant control services in your city.

Roseville → Rocklin → Folsom → Sacramento → Elk Grove → Citrus Heights → Fair Oaks → Rancho Cordova → Gold River → El Dorado Hills → Orangevale → Granite Bay → Loomis → Lincoln → Auburn → Carmichael →

Related Pest Services

Cockroach Control → Earwig Control → Rodent Control →

Don't let ants take over your home.

Call Pointer Pest Control today for a free quote and customized ant control plan. Family-owned, backed by the Pointer Promise Warranty.

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