Ant Control 101

Once one ant makes it inside of your home, it’s only a matter of days before the entire colony follows behind in search of food and water. Ants can be invasive, and the last thing you want is to find them inside of your sugar pot. The preferred pest control Des Moines experts at Pro-Staff can help you identify and eliminate ants from your home. 

Close up of a red ant on a green leaf

Carpenter Ants

A carpenter ant infestation can look eerily similar to a termite one; carpenter ants typically rest in the wood inside your home, causing it to sound hollow. Treating for carpenter ants is similar to treating for termites as you want to trim away any trees or shrubs that touch your home. Caulk any wire or cable penetrations through walls, and be sure to remove or repair decaying wood.  

House Ants

House ants, occasionally referred to as odorous house ants, will set up shop just about anywhere. These ants have dark brown to black bodies with legs that are lighter in color. To get rid of these ants, use baits and apply insecticides around the perimeter of your house. These ants often have multiple colonies, so eliminating their nest may not eliminate the infestation. 

Black ant on green leaf

Pavement Ants

One of the most common ants found in the United States, pavement ants have brownish-black bodies with pale-colored legs. They have two spines at the end of their thorax. Getting rid of pavement ants is relatively simple. First, identify the path pavement ants follow. Then, place ant bait stations along this path. The ants will carry bait found inside the station back to their colony, eliminating future populations. Then, spray for the indoor ants. Do not spray for the indoor ants first — this will only eliminate the workers and not the colony.

If you need help containing the ant population in your home or you’d simply like to prevent an invasion in the first place, give Pro-Staff, the preferred pest control Des Moines experts a call. We can help eliminate any ants found inside your home and prevent them from coming back. To learn more about our services, give us a call at (515) 279-7378 or contact us online.