Summer’s here, and if you live in Cupertino, you’re probably seeing Argentine ants marching across your pavement or maybe even your kitchen counters.
These tiny invaders are trouble because their massive colonies spread fast and are tough to get rid of.
At Smith’s Pest Management, we see this every year and know how quickly a small ant trail can turn into a full-blown infestation.
In this blog, we outline how to tackle the problem at the source and keep ants out for good.
Key Takeaways
- Argentine ants are a major issue in Cupertino because they form massive supercolonies that spread fast and invade homes during the dry summer months.
- To get rid of them yourself, seal entry points, eliminate food and moisture sources, use liquid bait—not spray—and avoid common mistakes like using the wrong products.
- Smith’s Pest Management gets rid of Argentine ants by inspecting your home, targeting the colony with safe, effective treatments, and providing follow-up service to keep them from coming back.
Why Argentine Ants Are a Summer Problem in Cupertino
Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) thrive in Cupertino’s warm, dry summer climate. As the heat rises, they head indoors searching for water and food.
Unlike other ants, they don’t stick to one big nest—they build massive supercolonies with multiple queens, which makes them especially hard to control in neighborhoods across the South Bay.
How to Get Rid of Argentine Ants
1. Start Outside
Most ant problems start outside, not in your kitchen. If you don’t block them at the source, they’ll keep coming back.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps – Check around windows, doors, where pipes go into the wall—any tiny opening is an ant freeway.
- Trim Back Plants – Keep trees, shrubs, and vines from touching your house. Ants love to use them as bridges.
- Clean Up Yard Debris – Wet leaves, wood piles, and mulch beds are prime real estate for ants.
- Fix Leaks – Ants are just as thirsty as they are hungry. Repair leaky spigots, irrigation lines, and A/C units.
2. Cut Off Food Sources
Argentine ants are food-driven, especially when it comes to sugar and grease. If your kitchen’s a buffet for them, they’ll keep showing up.
- Wipe Down Counters – A couple of crumbs or a sticky spot is all it takes to start a trail.
- Use Airtight Containers – Especially for cereal, pet food, and snacks.
- Take Out the Trash – And don’t forget to rinse the bin—it gets gross fast.
- Don’t Leave Dirty Dishes Overnight – Seriously, even a spoon with peanut butter is enough.
3. Use Bait, Not Spray
This is where a lot of people get it wrong.
Sprays kill the ants you see, but not the thousands back at the colony.
- Use Liquid Baits with Borax or Sodium Tetraborate – These slow-acting baits get shared back at the nest.
- Put Baits on Active Trails – Inside and outside, wherever you see them moving.
- Be Patient – It can take a week or two to see results. Trust the process.
4. Eliminate Moisture and Honeydew Sources
Ants aren’t just after food. They’re also farming other insects in your yard for sugar.
- Treat for Aphids (one of the most common garden pests in Cupertino), Mealybugs, and Scale – These plant pests produce honeydew, a sugary goo ants love.
- Dial Back the Watering – Too much irrigation creates the perfect environment for both ants and plant pests.
- Use Gravel or Dry Mulch Around the Foundation – Avoid wet, dense mulch that holds moisture.
5. Don’t Sabotage Your Own Efforts
Even a solid plan can fall apart with a few common mistakes:
- Skip the Granular Bait – Argentine ants aren’t interested. They want liquids.
- Use Plenty of Bait Stations – One or two won’t cut it. Use multiple bait stations (6-7 will be enough).
When to Call Smith’s Pest Management
If the ants keep coming no matter what you do, it’s time to bring in some backup.
At Smith’s Pest Management, we don’t just show up, spray, and leave. We take time to understand the problem and treat it at the source—safely, effectively, and with long-term results.
Here’s how we get rid of ants:
1. We Start With a Conversation
First, we meet with you and take a good look around your property.
You know your home better than anyone, so we’ll ask questions—what the ants look like, where you’re seeing them, and how long they’ve been bothering you.
That gives us a clear starting point.
2. We Do a Full Inspection
Next, we inspect inside and outside your home for signs of ant activity.
We’re looking for entry points, nests, moisture issues, and any other pests (like aphids or mealybugs) that might be attracting them.
Once we have a clearer picture of the situation, we’ll explain exactly what’s going on and lay out a plan to get rid of them.
3. We Treat the Problem at Its Source
No guesswork here.
We use professional tools that work—like gel baits, liquid baits, non-repellent sprays, and natural botanical treatments.
Everything we use is safe for kids and pets, and we always tailor the treatment to your property and the specific type of infestation.
No one-size-fits-all stuff.
4. We Follow Up
Every ant treatment comes with a 30-day warranty.
If you’re still seeing ants after the initial visit, we’ll come back and re-treat at no extra cost.
And if you’re part of our annual ant control program, we’ll keep checking in regularly, with free follow-ups between visits if needed.
Dealing With an Argentine Ant Problem in Cupertino? We Can Help!
Argentine ants are aggressive, persistent, and tough to eradicate, especially in a climate like Cupertino’s.
DIY steps can help you get the upper hand, but if the ants aren’t backing down, let us step in.
At Smith’s Pest Management, we specialize in eco-friendly ant control for Cupertino that works at the colony level and keeps them from coming back.
Call us today at (408) 871-6988 to schedule your inspection and take your home back—for good.
How do I know if I’m dealing with Argentine ants?
Argentine ants are small (about 1/8 inch long), dark brown to black, and move in thick, well-organized trails.
You’ll often see them in kitchens, bathrooms, and along baseboards. If you crush them, they give off a musty, greasy odor.
They also tend to show up in large numbers very quickly.
Do Argentine ants bite or sting?
No, Argentine ants don’t bite or sting humans. They’re a nuisance, but not a threat to your health.
That said, their constant presence in food prep areas or pantries is unsanitary, and they can protect and farm other harmful pests like aphids in your garden.
Why do ants keep coming back even after I clean?
Cleaning helps reduce food sources, but it doesn’t kill the colony. Argentine ants are persistent because they live in massive, interconnected supercolonies. Unless the queen—and the rest of the colony—is eliminated, they’ll keep returning.
