Ants are the most common household insect complaint, and they are uniquely difficult because killing the workers you see does nothing to the colony hidden in walls or under the slab. Effective ant control means identifying the species, using the right bait, and sealing the trails that lead inside. This guide covers all of it.
Start with the complete guide: How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants — the most common indoor species.
Identify the Species First
Species identification determines the bait. Sugar ants (odorous house ants) prefer sweets and are the most common indoor ant. Carpenter ants nest in wood and need moisture control plus a non-repellent spray. Fire ants nest outdoors and require granular bait. Pavement ants nest under slabs and driveways.
Our guide to what sugar ants look like covers the most common indoor species, and carpenter ants vs fire ants explains the two species with the most different treatment needs. For the large indoor nesters, carpenter ant treatment and prevention is the definitive guide.
Why Killing Workers Doesn’t Work
Ants are a colony, not a collection of individuals. The workers you see are foraging scouts — usually less than 10% of the colony. Spraying them kills the scouts but leaves the queen and the brood untouched, and repellent sprays can cause “budding,” where the colony splits into multiple new nests. The method that works is slow-acting bait that foragers carry back to the queen.
Our guide to homemade ant killer covers DIY bait recipes (borax and sugar is the classic), and how long it takes for borax to kill ants explains the timing — baits take days, not minutes, and that’s the point.
How to Treat an Ant Infestation
Place bait stations near trails, not on them. Let the ants carry the bait back to the nest — do not spray the trail. If the nest is accessible (e.g., under a paver or in a wall void), treat it directly with a non-repellent insecticide. For outdoor nests, use granular bait around the perimeter.
Our guides to getting rid of ants in the bathroom and removing ants from carpet cover the two most common indoor problem areas, and ants in a potted plant covers the indoor-plant problem. If ants are coming in after rain, how to stop ants coming in when it rains explains the behavior.
Prevention
Seal entry points — ants follow pheromone trails, so once you block the trail, the colony stops coming. Store food in sealed containers, fix leaks, and keep outdoor vegetation trimmed away from the foundation. Remove standing water and food debris.
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional for carpenter ant infestations (which cause structural damage), fire ant nests near occupied areas, or any infestation that persists after 4–6 weeks of baiting. For cost expectations, see how much does an ant exterminator cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sugar ants bite?
They can, though they rarely do. See do sugar ants bite.
How do I treat ant bites?
Wash with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and use an antihistamine if itching is severe. See how to treat ant bites.