What to Do About Winter Ant Infestations in Moraga, CA

Last Modified on January 15, 2025 by Zachary Smith

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Have you noticed ant trails in your kitchen, pantry, or bathroom?

If so, you need to act fast to get rid of these little pests!

Here at Smith’s Pest Management, we have more than 20 years of experience in the pest control industry, and we’ve compiled our top ant control tips into this convenient guide.

Types of Ants in Moraga

ants moraga ca

While there are more than 15,700 species of ants worldwide, only a handful of those show up to cause problems in the Moraga area.

Here are the ones you’re most likely to run into:

1. Argentine Ant

Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are an invasive species found in urban and suburban areas.

Known for forming massive colonies, Argentine ants often make their way indoors in search of food and water, particularly during wet weather.

Check out this guide to learn more.

2. Odorous House Ant

The odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) are named for the unpleasant odor they emit when crushed.

Odorous house ants nest near moisture sources and are commonly found in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and crawl spaces.

3. California Harvester Ant

Native to California, harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex californicus)  are known for their unique habit of collecting and storing seeds for food.

While these ants are typically found outdoors, they occasionally wander inside, and if disturbed, they can deliver painful stings.

4. Velvety Tree Ant

Velvety tree ants (Liometopum occidentale) prefer to live outdoors, where they establish nests in the bark or hollows of trees.

That said, they can become indoor pests when their native food sources are unavailable, and they begin foraging for food indoors, especially in homes near wooded areas.

5. Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants (Camponotus) are among the largest ant species in Moraga.

These busy ants excavate wood to create nests, which can cause serious structural problems for your home.

6. Thief Ant

Thief ants (Solenopsis molesta) are tiny and known to nest near other ant colonies. In fact, they get their name because they’re known to steal food from these other colonies.

They are attracted to greasy and protein-rich substances, which makes them common visitors to pantries and kitchens.

7. Pavement Ant

Pavement ants (Tetramorium immigrans) typically nest underneath sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations.

While these ants would definitely prefer to stay outside, they sometimes forage indoors for food, and can become a persistent pest.

Why do Ants Come Inside During Moraga Winters?

If you’ve spotted ants inside your home, chances are they’re worker ants on the hunt for food to take back to their colony.

Ants typically enter homes for a few reasons, including:

  • Searching for food and water.
  • Seeking warmth and shelter, especially during cold or wet weather.
  • Limited food availability in their native habitats.

Although most ants don’t bite, they’re probably still not something you want to live with.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them from setting up shop in your space.

Signs of Winter Ant Infestation

ants infestation moraga

1. Ant Trails in the Kitchen

If you’re spotting ant trails in your kitchen this winter (more than a few ants moving in a line) —around food, on countertops, or near the sink—you might have a winter ant problem.

Ants love sneaking into warm spots during the colder months, especially when they’re looking for food and water.

2. Ant Sightings in the Bathroom

If you start to see ants in your bathroom, you can bet it’s probably because of the moisture.

In colder months, they’re attracted to leaks, damp spots, or condensation as they search for water.

3. Ants Emerging From Walls or Baseboards

If you see ants crawling out of cracks in walls, baseboards, or hidden spaces, chances are they’ve set up a colony inside.

During winter, ants often move to cozy, insulated spots to stay warm.

4. Decreased Outdoor Activity

In the summer, ants are usually busy outside in yards and gardens.

But if you’re seeing ants indoors during winter, with no outdoor activity near their usual nests, it could mean you have a winter infestation.

5. Presence of Food Debris

If you’ve got ants, you might notice small clues like bits of debris near their nests or crumbs in your pantry or kitchen.

During winter, ants tend to scavenge indoors, using whatever food they can find.

How to Get Rid of Ants Indoors

get rid of ants indoors

Natural Methods

1. Diatomaceous earth (silicon dioxide)

Diatomaceous earth (DE, for short) is a natural powder made from fossilized diatoms. It’s non-toxic and kills ants by drying them out.

Sprinkle it where ants enter or travel in your home.

2. Natural Deterrents

Household detergents, pepper, chalk, citrus fruits, and essential oils like peppermint, cinnamon leaf, lemon, and neem can all be effective natural deterrents for keeping ants out of your home.

3. White vinegar

If you spot ants in your home, mix equal parts vinegar and water and use the solution to wipe away ant trails.

The vinegar kills the ants and disrupts pheromone trails to keep new ones from returning.

4. Baking soda (or borax)

Ants can’t handle baking soda or borax—they both kill ants when eaten.

Mix equal parts of baking soda (or borax) and powdered sugar to get rid of ants.

Place the mixture in a shallow container where ants can easily find it.

5. Salt

Salt is a simple and natural way to kill ants. J

ust mix one cup of Epsom salt with water in a spray bottle.

Spray it directly on the ants when you see them.

The salt dehydrates the ants, and it’s safe for other animals and insects.

6. Cornstarch

Cornstarch, a common kitchen item, can effectively get rid of ants. Here’s how you can use it:

  • Pour cornstarch over a group of ants and add water on top. Then, clean up the mixture of dead ants and cornstarch and throw it away.
  • Cover the ants with cornstarch and vacuum them up. Afterward, empty your vacuum canister right away to dispose of the contents.

7. Boric acid

Boric acid can eliminate ants, including the queen, within three weeks.

To use it, mix ½ teaspoon of boric acid, 8 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 cup of warm water. Stir until the boric acid dissolves.

Soak cotton balls in the solution and place them where you’ve seen ants.

Chemical Methods

1. Baits

Ant baits are small pods with hidden poison that ants can access and take back to their colony. Once the poison is shared within the colony, it eliminates the ants.

For more information about how to use baits (and the other methods on this list) effectively, check out our complete guide.

2. Traps

Ant traps work like baits but are built to keep ants from getting out. Most traps also contain poison to kill ants quickly.

3. Sprays

You can use ant spray indoors or outdoors to get rid of ants quickly.

For outdoor use, spray around your home’s foundation—about two feet up the wall and three feet out on the ground—to create a protective barrier.

How to Keep Ants Out

how to keep ants out

1. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Ants can enter your home through even the tiniest openings.

With this in mind, check the exterior for cracks in the foundation, as well as gaps around windows and doors.

You’ll also want to inspect your windows and door frames for gaps or damaged seals.

Use weatherproofing strips or caulk to create a tight barrier.

Don’t forget about pipes and utility line access points!

Use caulk to seal any openings where pipes enter the house.

2. Fix Moisture Issues

Ants are attracted to moisture, so inspect your roof, pipes, and gutters for any leaks.

Clean out clogged gutters and repair water damage to prevent ants and other pests from being drawn to your home.

3. Keep Garbage Sealed

Ants are always on the hunt for food. Store trash in sealed, dry containers, and empty them regularly.

4. Repair or Replace Rotted Wood

Wooden structures around your home, like decks or trim, can rot over time.

This weakens your home’s structure and provides a prime nesting area for ants.

With this in mind, repair or replace any damaged wood to prevent ants from getting too comfortable.

5. Trim Tree Limbs and Shrubs

Overhanging branches can give ants a direct route into your home.

To prevent this, trim tree limbs, vines, or shrubs close to the house to keep ants from using them as a bridge.

6. Remove Dead Trees and Stumps

Dead trees or stumps around your property can be perfect nesting spots for ants.

Get rid of them to reduce the chance of an infestation.

The more you can eliminate potential nesting sites, the fewer ants you’ll have to deal with.

7. Inspect Indoor Plants

Want to add an extra house plant for some greenery this winter?

Before you bring it indoors, inspect the plant and its soil for ants.

When to Call Professionals

smith's ant control moraga

While DIY fixes can work for some ant infestations, sometimes you need to call in the pros.

Here’s when to get expert help:

  • Ants Keep Coming Back: If you’ve tried everything but the ants won’t go away, it’s time to call the pros.
  • Home Damage: Seeing damage to wood in or around your home? Carpenter ants might be the issue. Get a professional to check it out before the damage gets worse.
  • Widespread Infestations: Finding ants in several spots around your home? There could be multiple colonies that need expert treatment.
  • Health Concerns: If ants are getting into your food or taking over your kitchen, you may need a pro to help you get rid of the infestation before it makes someone sick.

Don’t Let Ants Take Over Your Home! We can Help!

If you’ve been battling ants in your space, you don’t have to do it alone any longer.

Here at Smith’s Pest Management, we provide a wide variety of pest control services to customers in Moraga and the surrounding areas.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help or to request your free service quote: (408) 871-6988.

FAQs

What kind of damage can ants cause?

Some ants, like carpenter ants, can damage your home by digging into wood to build their nests. Unlike termites, they don’t eat the wood, but their tunnels can weaken it over time. Other ants can ruin food or even damage electrical devices by nesting inside them.

Are there any eco-friendly solutions for ant infestations?

There are plenty of eco-friendly ways to deal with ants. You can use natural remedies like diatomaceous earth, vinegar, or essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil to keep them away. Sealing entry points and keeping your space clean are also great ways to prevent ants. If you need extra help, many pest control companies now offer green, environmentally safe options.

What’s the typical cost of ant control in Moraga?

The cost of ant control depends on how widespread or severe the infestation is. For bigger or harder-to-remove infestations, the cost might be higher. For an exact quote, reach out to a local pest control company.

Are DIY solutions effective for ant control?

DIY methods can work for small ant problems. Try bait traps, natural repellents, and keeping your home clean and free of food crumbs. But if the ants keep coming back or the problem is large, calling a professional is usually the best way to fix it for good.

zach smith

Author Bio: Zach Smith

Landscape Pro Turned Gopher Pro: Owner, Zach Smith, graduate of Cal Poly’s Horticulture program worked nine years as a landscape professional- dealing with gophers, moles, and ground squirrels and was quickly recruited by other local gardeners. Fast forward to the past 15+ years, where Zach and his team trap and remove burrowing pests from residential, municipal and commercial properties throughout the San Francisco Bay area, from Marin to Monterey. Learn more about Zach and his team here.

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