Have you noticed trails of ants marching toward your kitchen?
If so, you need to act quickly to control the issue.
Ants are a common pest throughout San Carlos, thanks to the mild climate and ample natural resources.
Fortunately, Smith’s Pest Management has provided comprehensive pest control solutions to San Mateo residents for over 20 years.
We’ve compiled all our top ant control tips into this comprehensive blog for your convenience.
Key Takeaways
- The most common types of ants in San Carlos are Argentine ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants.
- To eliminate ants indoors, you can use natural methods, such as homemade cleaners, homemade baits, or eco-friendly traps, or turn to chemical methods, such as baits, targeted sprays, and barrier sprays.
- To get rid of ants outdoors, use natural methods like sealing entry points, encouraging natural predators, sprinkling diatomaceous earth around ant colonies, or dumping boiling or soapy water into ant mounds. Alternatively, chemical methods like granules and dusts, perimeter sprays, and professional treatments can be effective.
- For help getting rid of ant infestations, contact Smith’s Pest Management at (408) 871-6988.
Common Types of Ants in San Carlos, CA
1. Argentine Ants
Argentine ants measure between 1/16-¼” long.
They’re usually light to dark brown and are common in moist, damp environments.
They are known for their large colony sizes and tendency to form extensive trails as they forage for food – especially the sugary foods they love.
For more tips on how to get rid of these ants, check out this guide.
2. Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants are tiny, typically around 1/16-⅛” long, and dark brown or black in color.
These ants got their name from the unpleasant odor they emit when crushed.
They’re highly adaptable and can nest in locations ranging from soil to wall voids.
3. Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are among the largest ant species, ranging from ¼ -½“ long.
They are usually black, but some species can have reddish or yellowish tones.
Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood.
Instead, they tunnel through it to create nests, leaving behind a sawdust-like debris called “Frass.”
Carpenter ants can cause structural damage if infestations go untreated.
How to Get Rid of Ants
To get rid of ants, try the following options:
Indoor Ant Control: Natural Methods
1. DIY Deterrents
Ants use scent trails to find food, and interrupting these trails is a great way to manage infestations.
With this in mind, try a simple vinegar and water mix to keep ants out of your home.
Here’s how:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray it on window sills, baseboards, and anywhere else you see ants.
2. Homemade Baits
Homemade baits use ants’ love for sugar or protein against them.
To make homemade bait, mix sugar and borax or peanut butter and baking soda together to make a thick paste.
Place small amounts of the bait on cardboard or bottle caps in areas where ants are active.
Pro tip: If ants aren’t taking your bait, you may need to identify them.
Some ants are drawn to protein, while others are drawn to sweet, sugary food sources.
3. Eco-Friendly Traps
Diatomaceous earth is a safe, natural powder made from fossilized diatoms.
It damages the ants’ exoskeletons, causing them to dry out and die.
To use it, sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth along walls, baseboards, and other areas where ants frequently travel.
Indoor Ant Control: Chemical Methods
1. Ant Baits
Store-bought ant baits attract ants with slow-acting poison.
The ants pick up the bait and carry it back to their colony.
They then feed it to the other ants living there, eventually wiping out the entire colony.
To use these baits, place them in corners, along walls, or anywhere you see ants.
Check and replace them regularly.
2. Targeted Contact Sprays
Contact sprays kill ants on the spot.
They are great for sudden infestations or times when you see a line of ants out foraging.
For best results, spray contact sprays directly onto the ants or into cracks and crevices where they’re hiding.
Read all label directions carefully and avoid contact with food prep areas.
3. Barrier Sprays
Barrier sprays keep ants away by creating a toxic chemical barrier.
To use these products effectively, spray them along windowsills, doorways, and other places ants might enter.
Make sure the area you’re using them in is well-ventilated, and follow all label instructions carefully.
Outdoor Ant Control: Natural Methods
1. Sealing Entry Points
To keep ants out of your home, start by sealing up the gaps and cracks they use to get indoors.
Look for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, or other entry points, and seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
2. Encouraging Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators like birds, spiders, and certain insects can help reduce the number of ants in your garden.
3. Using Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth can be an effective way to get rid of ants outdoors.
For best results, sprinkle it in a perimeter line around your house or in areas near ant mounds.
Make sure it stays dry, and reapply after watering or heavy rain.
4. Boiling or Soapy Water
To eliminate visible ant mounds, pour boiling water directly onto the nest to kill the ants and destroy the colony.
Another option is to use soapy water, which breaks down the ants’ outer protective layer and causes dehydration.
Use caution with these methods, and keep them away from plants you want to protect.
Outdoor Ant Control: Chemical Methods
1. Granules and Dusts
Granules and dust pesticide formulations target ants for long-lasting results.
Sprinkle these products in gardens, mulch beds, or near active ant trails.
When ants encounter these things, they carry the products back to the colony, ensuring large-scale population control.
2. Perimeter Sprays
Use perimeter sprays outdoors to create a protective barrier around your home.
Apply them around your home’s foundation, patios, and pathways to keep ants away.
Be sure to reapply after watering or heavy rain.
3. Professional Pest Control Treatments
Professional pest control is the best solution for severe infestations.
Experts use advanced methods to target ant colonies and get rid of even hard-to-find nests.
Methods to Avoid
- Homemade remedies. Things like cucumber peels and coffee grounds are typically ineffective at getting rid of ants.
- Ultrasonic pest repellents: These devices have not been proven to deter ants.
- Ignoring the problem: Hoping the ants will leave on their own will not work and may worsen the infestation.
When to Call Smith’s Pest Management
Although DIY methods may work for minor ant problems, some cases require professional help.
Here are a few signs that it’s time to call in the experts:
- If you’re experiencing recurring or widespread ant issues
- The ants are damaging your lawn or garden
- Your DIY efforts haven’t worked
- You don’t want to DIY the job to begin with
Smith’s Pest Management Provides the Ant Control Services You Need!
You don’t have to live with ants any longer.
At Smith’s Pest Management, we provide eco-friendly pest control services for San Carlos to resolve ant infestations and help you regain control of your property.
Don’t let pesky ants take over your space—call our team for a FREE quote today at (408) 871-6988.
How can I tell if I have an ant infestation?
Signs of an ant infestation include seeing ants in your home, especially in the kitchen or near food and water.
You might spot ant trails or start finding discarded wings near windows or doors, which could also mean winged ants are trying to start a new colony in your home.
How can I prevent ants from invading my San Carlos home?
To keep ants out of your home:
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and other entry points.
- Wipe down hard surfaces regularly, store food in airtight containers, and promptly clean up spills or crumbs.
- Take out the trash regularly, and don’t leave pet food out overnight.
- Fix any leaky pipes or faucets to remove sources of moisture.
Why have ants invaded my San Carlos home?
Ants often come into homes looking for food, water, or shelter.
They’re attracted to crumbs, spills, uncovered food, and damp areas.
Changes in weather, like heavy rain or dry conditions, can also push ants indoors.
