When you notice ants marching across your kitchen counter or sneaking into your pantry, it’s natural to wonder how to get rid of ants quickly and keep them from coming back. The truth is, ant problems can start small but spread fast. What begins as a few foraging ants can soon become hundreds if the colony finds food or water inside your home.
At Pest Control in Fort Wayne, we’ve helped countless homeowners eliminate ant infestations using proven, long-term strategies. In this post, we’ll explain what attracts ants, how to remove them safely, and when it’s time to call professionals for help.
Why Do Ants Invade Homes?
Ants enter homes searching for three things: food, water, and shelter. Even spotless houses can attract them because ants are tiny and persistent.
Common reasons ants invade Fort Wayne homes include:
- Food crumbs or spills: Ants are drawn to sugars, grease, and starches. Even small crumbs on floors or counters are enough to attract them.
- Moisture and leaks: Ants need water to survive. Leaky pipes, sinks, and damp basements provide perfect conditions.
- Entry cracks and gaps: Small openings around windows, doors, and foundations allow easy access.
- Outdoor-to-indoor trails: Ants create scent trails to guide others to food sources, making infestations spread quickly.
Once ants find what they’re looking for, they alert the rest of the colony. That’s why you’ll often see lines of ants moving in and out; they’re following chemical signals laid down by their nestmates.
Common Ant Species in Fort Wayne
Different ant species behave differently, which affects how you treat them. Here are the most common ones found in Fort Wayne homes:
- Odorous House Ants: Small, dark ants that emit a rotten coconut smell when crushed.
- Carpenter Ants: Large black ants that nest in wood and can damage structures.
- Pavement Ants: Often seen near driveways, patios, and baseboards indoors.
- Sugar Ants: Tiny brown or yellow ants attracted to sweets and syrups.
Identifying the type of ant helps determine whether you’re facing a surface-level issue or a deeper structural infestation.
Signs of an Ant Infestation
Not sure if the problem is serious? Here are some common warning signs that indicate an active infestation:
- Trails of ants traveling along walls, floors, or countertops.
- Piles of fine dirt or wood shavings (especially with carpenter ants).
- Ants appear near sinks, pet food, or garbage bins.
- Winged ants inside during spring or early summer are a sign of colony reproduction.
If you see ants repeatedly after cleaning, chances are the colony is nearby, and DIY methods alone might not be enough.
How to Get Rid of Ants: Step-by-Step
Eliminating ants takes a mix of cleaning, baiting, and sealing. Here’s how to handle the problem effectively.
1. Clean Up and Remove What Attracts Them
Start by cutting off their food and water sources.
- Wipe down all kitchen surfaces with vinegar or mild disinfectant.
- Keep food in sealed containers.
- Clean under appliances and behind furniture.
- Fix leaky faucets and eliminate standing water.
- Empty garbage cans regularly and wash them out.
Consistent cleaning removes the scent trails that ants use to find food and communicate with each other.
2. Use Natural Repellents
If you prefer chemical-free solutions, several natural options can repel ants safely:
- Vinegar spray: Mix equal parts vinegar and water; spray directly on ants and entry points.
- Lemon or citrus: Wipe counters with lemon juice or place citrus peels near windows and doors.
- Peppermint oil: Combine 10 drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Ants hate the smell.
- Cinnamon or baby powder: Sprinkle in problem areas to disrupt ant trails.
- Diatomaceous earth: Apply food-grade DE around baseboards and cracks. It kills ants by dehydrating them.
These remedies are safe for families and pets and help keep ants at bay when used consistently.
3. Set Ant Baits to Target the Colony
Cleaning kills visible ants, but the real problem lies in the colony, often hidden behind walls, under floors, or outside. To eliminate the source, use baiting methods.
Homemade Borax and Sugar Bait
- Mix 1 tablespoon of borax with 3 tablespoons of sugar and a little warm water to make a syrup.
- Soak cotton balls in the mixture and place them near ant trails.
- The sugar attracts ants, while borax kills them slowly so they can carry the poison back to the nest.
Baking Soda and Sugar Mix
For a non-toxic option, mix baking soda and sugar. The sugar lures ants in, and the baking soda disrupts their digestive system.
Commercial Ant Baits
You can also buy pre-made ant bait stations from hardware stores. Place them where you see the most activity and leave them undisturbed for several days.
Avoid spraying near bait stations; killing worker ants too soon prevents them from spreading the bait to the colony.
4. Block Entry Points
Once the ants are gone, stop new ones from coming in.
- Seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and window frames with caulk.
- Replace damaged screens or door sweeps.
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your house; they can act as ant bridges.
- Store outdoor trash bins away from doors and tightly closed.
Ants can fit through the tiniest gaps, so sealing entryways is one of the best long-term defenses.
5. Maintain a Dry, Well-Kept Environment
Ants thrive in damp environments. Reduce moisture by:
- Repairing plumbing leaks.
- Use a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces.
- Ensuring gutters drain properly.
- Avoid overwatering outdoor plants near your foundation.
A dry home discourages ants and other pests like cockroaches and termites.
When to Call Professional Ant Control in Fort Wayne
If you’ve tried DIY treatments for several weeks and ants keep returning, it’s time to call the experts. Some infestations are too large or too deeply hidden for household products to fix.
At Pest Control in Fort Wayne, we use safe, targeted treatments that reach the colony directly. Our licensed technicians:
- Identify the exact ant species.
- Find and eliminate nests, both indoors and outdoors.
- Use eco-friendly, pet-safe methods.
- Offer ongoing prevention plans to keep ants out permanently.
Professional pest control not only solves the current problem but also ensures long-term protection for your home and family.
How Pest Control in Fort Wayne Handles Ant Problems
We know how frustrating ant infestations can be. They’re persistent, quick to multiply, and often return even after cleaning. Our process ensures complete elimination:
- Inspection: We locate nests, entry points, and moisture sources.
- Customized Treatment: Depending on the species and infestation level, we apply targeted baits or perimeter sprays.
- Follow-Up Visits: Our team monitors the situation to ensure full eradication.
- Prevention Plan: We seal entry points and provide maintenance tips for lasting protection.
Our goal is simple: to help Fort Wayne homeowners enjoy pest-free living without stress or risk.
How to Prevent Future Ant Infestations
After eliminating ants, prevention is the key to keeping them out.
Here’s what you can do year-round:
- Seal and store food properly. Keep sweets and pet food in airtight containers.
- Clean up crumbs immediately. Pay attention to dining areas and floors.
- Inspect regularly. Look for signs of ant trails or nests, especially in spring and summer.
- Maintain yard hygiene. Remove fallen fruit, debris, and piles of wood near your house.
- Schedule routine pest inspections. Professionals can spot early signs before infestations start.
Staying proactive ensures your home remains comfortable and pest-free throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
Ants may be small, but they can cause big problems if ignored. Once they establish a trail or nest, they multiply quickly and can be difficult to control without the right approach.
By keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, and using effective baits, you can handle minor infestations yourself. But for larger, recurring, or hidden colonies, professional pest control in Fort Wayne is your best solution.
At Pest Control in Fort Wayne, we specialize in identifying, eliminating, and preventing ant infestations with safe, modern treatments. Don’t let ants take over your kitchen or home. Contact our experts for fast, reliable help and long-term peace of mind.
FAQs
What’s the fastest way to get rid of ants?
The quickest method is to use ant bait stations. Ants carry the bait back to the nest, killing the entire colony within a few days. Pair this with cleaning and sealing entry points for the best results.
Are natural remedies like vinegar effective?
Yes, vinegar disrupts ant scent trails and repels them naturally. While it won’t destroy colonies, it’s great for preventing ants from re-entering treated areas.
Why do ants keep coming back after cleaning?
Even if your home looks spotless, ants may still find food or water in hidden areas. They also leave scent trails behind. It’s crucial to combine cleaning with baiting and sealing to break the cycle.
When should I call a professional exterminator?
If you’ve been battling ants for more than two weeks, or if you see them in multiple areas of your home, it’s time to call professionals. They have specialized treatments that reach the hidden colony and prevent re-infestation.
