How to Get Rid of Ants: A Guide for Phoenix Homeowners
How to Get Rid of Ants: A Guide for Phoenix Homeowners
If you’ve spotted a trail of ants marching across your kitchen counter—or worse, a colony invading your pantry—you’re not alone. Ant infestations are one of the most common pest problems in Phoenix, Arizona, especially as the weather warms up. Knowing how to get rid of ants effectively (and keep them from coming back) requires more than just a can of spray and wishful thinking.
At Phoenix Pest & Termite Control, we help homeowners across Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and surrounding areas deal with ant problems of all sizes. Here’s what you need to know to kick ants out—and keep them out—for good.
Why Ants Are So Common in Phoenix Homes
Arizona’s desert climate, while dry, still provides everything ants need to thrive: warmth, shelter, and food sources. As temperatures climb, ants head indoors looking for:
- Water during the dry spring and summer months
- Food crumbs, sugary spills, and pet food
- Shelter from extreme heat or monsoon rains
Common species like Argentine ants, odorous house ants, and the persistent pavement ants are all frequent invaders in Valley homes. And while they’re small, they travel in large numbers—making a minor issue feel major fast.
How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home
While it’s tempting to grab the nearest can of ant spray, the truth is: that’s usually a temporary fix. To get rid of ants for good, you’ll need a comprehensive approach. Here’s where to start:
1. Identify the Source
Ants don’t just appear—they follow pheromone trails from a colony. If you see ants in your home, they’re likely:
- Coming from cracks in baseboards or wall voids
- Entering through window sills, plumbing gaps, or electrical outlets
- Nesting near water sources like sinks or leaky pipes
Follow their trail to find where they’re entering—and avoid simply killing the ones you see. That won’t stop the colony.
2. Clean Up Food & Water Sources
Ants are excellent foragers. Eliminate their reason for sticking around by:
- Wiping down counters and floors regularly
- Sealing all food in airtight containers
- Cleaning up crumbs, grease, and sugary spills promptly
- Fixing leaks and removing standing water under sinks
Even small food particles or a few drops of water can support an ant trail.
3. Seal Entry Points
Ants are tiny, so even the smallest cracks can be entryways. Check and seal:
- Gaps in windows and doors
- Cracks in foundation or siding
- Utility penetrations for cables or pipes
- Baseboards and flooring transitions
Use caulk or weather stripping to block their paths inside.
4. Use the Right Ant Baits—Not Just Sprays
Spraying visible ants may kill a few, but it won’t reach the colony. In fact, it might make the problem worse by scattering the ants.
- Instead, use gel baits or bait stations:
- Worker ants carry bait back to the colony
- It targets the queen and stops the reproductive cycle
- Effective over several days, even if you still see ants early on
Place baits along ant trails—but away from areas where kids or pets can reach them.
When DIY Doesn’t Work: Call the Phoenix Ant Control Experts
If ants keep coming back—despite your best efforts—it may be time for professional pest control. At Phoenix Pest & Termite Control, our trained technicians will:
- Identify the species of ant for proper treatment
- Trace the infestation to its source (nest or colony)
- Apply targeted treatments indoors and outdoors
- Use residual products that continue working over time
- Provide preventive recommendations to keep ants from returning
We specialize in ant control for homes across the Phoenix Valley, including Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Chandler.
How to Prevent Ants in the Future
Once you’ve gotten rid of ants, the key is to keep them from coming back. Here’s how:
- 🧽 Maintain a clean kitchen and pantry
- 🚰 Fix leaky faucets and drains
- 🐾 Store pet food in sealed containers
- 🌿 Keep bushes and tree limbs trimmed away from the home
- 🧹 Don’t leave dirty dishes or trash sitting out overnight
Routine pest control treatments can also stop seasonal infestations before they start.
Final Thoughts: How to Get Rid of Ants in Arizona—The Right Way
Ants may be tiny, but they’re one of the most persistent pests Phoenix homeowners face. While DIY methods can offer temporary relief, targeted pest control is often the best long-term solution—especially when dealing with large or repeated infestations.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of ants in your home, let the professionals at Phoenix Pest & Termite Control help you solve the problem—quickly, safely, and for good.
Contact Phoenix Pest & Termite Control Today
Don’t let ants overrun your kitchen or backyard. Whether you’re dealing with a minor trail or a full-blown infestation, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us at 602-252-4212
📧 Email us at [email protected]
Serving Phoenix and the surrounding Valley with expert, affordable pest control.