The Ants We See Most in Downers Grove Homes
Different ants need different treatment, so identifying the type is the first step.
Odorous house ants. Small, brown to black, and they give off a smell like rotten coconut when crushed. They form long trails along counters, pipes and baseboards and often nest inside walls or under floors near moisture.
Pavement ants. Dark brown to black, and usually found nesting in cracks in driveways, sidewalks, patios and along the foundation. You may see small piles of sand where they dig. They enter homes through cracks in the slab and around pipes.
Carpenter ants. Much larger, and they nest in wood. They need a different plan, so see our page on Carpenter Ant Control.
If you are not sure what you have, that is fine. A technician will identify them during the visit.
Why Ants Keep Coming Back
The nest is the real problem. The ants you see are only a small part of the colony. Some colonies have thousands of workers and more than one queen.
Spraying can make it worse. With some ants, especially odorous house ants, a repellent spray can cause the colony to split into several new nests. The problem grows instead of going away.
Something is drawing them in. Ants come for food, water and shelter. Common causes include crumbs and sticky spills, pet food, leaks under sinks, mulch piled against the foundation and plants with aphids nearby.
How We Get Rid of Ants
1. Identify the ant. We look at the ants and where they travel to see which type you have.
2. Follow the trail. We trace the ants back to where they enter and to the nest whenever we can.
3. Use bait where it fits. Bait works slowly on purpose. Worker ants carry it back to the nest and share it, which reaches the queen and the rest of the colony. Because of this, you may see more ants for a few days before they disappear.
4. Treat the outside. We treat the outside of your home, along the foundation, around doors and windows and at other entry points, to stop new ants from coming in.
5. Fix the cause. We show you what is drawing ants, such as moisture, food sources or mulch, and what to change.
6. Follow up. Ants can take a couple of weeks to clear completely. We check the results and adjust if needed.
What to Do Before We Arrive
- Do not spray the ants with store bought sprays. It can scatter the colony and make it harder to treat.
- Do not wipe away every trail right before we come. Seeing the trail helps us find the source.
- Keep food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs and spills
- Take a photo of the ants and note where you see them
- Fix any leaks you know about
When Ants Are Most Active
Ants slow down in the cold and speed up as the ground warms in spring. Heavy rain can drive them indoors when their nests flood, and hot dry weather can send them looking for water in kitchens and bathrooms. That is why many homeowners see ants come and go through the warm months. May through July is usually the wettest period, so flooded nests can push more ants toward dry indoor areas.
Ants seen indoors during winter often mean a nest inside the home, in a wall or near a heat source.
Ants Around Downers Grove Yards
Many Downers Grove homes have mulch beds, patios and walkways right beside the foundation. These are the places pavement ants like to nest, and they give ants an easy path to the house. Trees and shrubs close to the walls can also give ants a bridge to the roof and siding.
Ants or Termites?
In spring, winged insects near windows can be flying ants or termite swarmers. They look similar, but the treatment is very different. If you see winged insects or shed wings inside your home, see our page on Termite Inspection to learn how to tell them apart.
Ant Control Across Downers Grove
We treat ants in homes and businesses throughout Downers Grove, including ZIP codes 60515 and 60516, and in nearby towns such as Lisle, Woodridge, Westmont and Darien. If you are close by, call us anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I see ants in my kitchen?
Ants come inside looking for food and water. Crumbs, sticky spills, pet food and even a small leak under the sink can draw them in. Once one ant finds food, it leaves a scent trail that others follow.
Are ants in the house dangerous?
Most house ants do not bite or spread serious disease, but they can contaminate food and are hard to live with. Carpenter ants can damage wood, so it is worth knowing which type you have.
How long does it take to get rid of ants?
Bait can take several days to a couple of weeks to clear a colony. You may see more ants at first, which means the bait is working. We explain what to expect at your visit.
Will spraying ants myself work?
It may kill the ants you see, but it usually does not reach the nest. With some ants, spraying causes the colony to spread out and makes the problem bigger.
Is ant bait safe for pets and children?
Bait is placed in spots pets and children cannot easily reach, and your technician will tell you where it is. Let us know about pets and young children so we can plan the safest placement.
Will the ants come back?
They can if the reason they came in is still there. We treat the colony and the outside of your home, and we show you how to reduce food, water and shelter. If they return, call us.
What is the difference between odorous house ants and carpenter ants?
Odorous house ants are small and form trails to food. Carpenter ants are much bigger and nest in wood, sometimes leaving sawdust like piles. Carpenter ants can cause damage over time, so they need different treatment.
Related services: Carpenter Ant Control | Spider Control | Home Pest Protection Plan