Ant Control
Queen Creek AZ
Ant Pest Control Services in East Valley: Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Chandler, Florence, Gilbert, Laveen, Maricopa, Mesa, Phoenix, San Tan Valley, Scottsdale AZ
Ant Control in Queen Creek, AZ You Can Trust
Ants are a common problem in Queen Creek, Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction and surrounding areas. There are a few reasons why Arizona homes and businesses are prone to ant infestations.
It’s important to first assess what kind of any infestation you have before determining the best treatment. Leave that up to your Queen Creek pest control company. They can inspect the area and suggest the best course of action.
Common Reasons for Ant Infestations in Arizona
It may all start out innocently enough with a few foragers looking for food or water. But once those ants set up a colony behind the scenes, the infestation can get out of control quickly. While most ants are harmless in that they don’t bite, they can contaminate food sources and spread disease. Some species, such as fire ants, do bite.
- Climate. Arizona’s dry and hot climate is an ideal environment for ants to thrive and multiply. However, they will see cooler places to live during the summer months. So, they come indoors where it’s easy to find plenty of cracks and crevices to set up a new home.
- Water. While it may be challenging to find water in Arizona’s dry climate, our bathrooms offer plenty of it. In search of consistent water source, ants will settle in the bathrooms or other areas with standing water. Soap residue, corners and crevices of bathtubs and showers that never fully dry are all potential ant magnets.
- Food. Easy access to food left lying around by the humans is one of the primary reasons for ant infestations. Dirty dishes left in the sink, crumbs on countertops, spills on floors that extend underneath the fridge or stove, and overflowing trash are all good reasons for ants to come and stay. Other common pests like roaches, mice and other rodents are also eager to take advantage of such easy food sources.
Types of Ants in Santan Valley AZ
The most common ant species in Arizona include:
1. Harvester Ant
Harvester Ants like to collect or “harvest” seeds. They are large ants, reaching up to 1/2" in length, and reddish-brown in color. Outdoors, they gather seeds creating large dome-shaped mounds. However, their attraction to moisture brings them inside Arizona homes. Harvester ant bites sting and they destroy vegetation resulting in bare spots on your lawn.
2. Odorous House Ant
Odorous House Ants get their name from the strong, rotten smell they give off when crushed (you can compare it to the smell of a rotten coconut). They are small, only 1/8" in length, and dark brown in color. They often build nests inside homes near moisture sources, such as hot water pipes or underneath leaky fixtures.
3. Argentine Ant
Argentine Ants are invasive species in Arizona. They are known for their large colonies that often displace other native ant species. Their color ranges from light to dark brown and you can see the long lines they form going from their nest to food sources and back. Argentine ants do not bite but give off a musty smell when crushed. They reproduce easily, leading to fast and large infestations.
4. Pavement Ant
Pavement ants are small, about 1/8" in length, and dark brown. Their body has a distinctive wrinkled appearance. These ants will nest in cracks in the pavement or underneath stones. They may also nest indoors within walls and floors. They eat pretty much anything, from bread and meat to other ants.
5. Fire Ant
Fire ants are a serious concern in Arizona. They are small, 1/8" in length, reddish-brown and have a painful sting (hence the name). Multiple stings can result in severe allergic reactions, as well as swelling and pain at the site. The nests these ants create are flattened, irregularly-shaped mounds, and are usually found near foundations or in landscaping.
6. Carpenter Ant
Carpenter Ants are the largest of the common Arizona ant species. They measure up to 1/2" in length and have black bodies with reddish-brown thoraxes.These ants chew through wood and create smooth tunnels for building nests. They do not eat wood but can still cause significant damage to your property by excavating tunnels through wooden structures.
Tired of Ants Returning Every Season?
How to Keep Ants Out of Your Arizona Home
From cleaning spills immediately to storing food in sealed containers, here are some ways you can prevent ants from getting inside your home.
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Keep Surfaces Clean:
Regularly wipe down your countertops and floors, making sure not to leave behind crumbs or spilled liquids. Store all pet and human food in sealed containers, such as cereal and sugar. -
Clean Dirty Dishes:
You may be tempted to leave dirty dishes in the sink to soak, but you should always clean them right away. Ants are drawn to leftover food and dirty dishes. -
Sweep and Vacuum Regularly:
This will eliminate stray food crumbs that may beckon an army of ants. Do this in areas where your family makes and consumes food, such as the kitchen and the dining room.
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Wipe Down Common Surfaces:
Ants love sweet and sticky substances originating from spills around the home. Wipe down counters and tables with cleaning products or vinegar and water mixtures. -
Seal Cracks and Access Points:
Apply caulking around windows and doors to eliminate obvious entrance and exit points. Patch holes in screens.
Considering that Arizona’s climate makes ant infestations such a common occurrence, many owners of local homes and businesses opt for continuous pest control services. Our affordable bi-monthly pest & weed control service is very popular with the residents of Queen Creek, Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction and surrounding areas. Besides ants, the service provides pest control for scorpions, spiders, roaches, crickets, earwigs and more. And we also get rid of the weeds for you! Contact All Clear Pest Control to sign up.
Ant Control FAQs
Why do I suddenly have ants in my home or yard?
Ant infestations often emerge suddenly due to weather changes, particularly following rainstorms or temperature fluctuations common in Arizona. Ants seek food, water, and shelter, and even small amounts of moisture or food can attract them indoors quickly.
Is professional pest control worth it for ants in Arizona?
Professional pest control is highly recommended for ant control in Arizona, especially for persistent species like fire ants or carpenter ants. Regular treatments from All Clear Pest Control effectively manage these pests and reduce ongoing issues.
How do exterminators get rid of ants?
At All Clear Pest Control, we eliminate ants by using treatments specifically tailored to each ant species common in Arizona’s East Valley. Our approach typically involves:
- Applying professional-grade ant bait to eliminate entire colonies at their source.
- Targeted use of residual sprays around entry points, baseboards, foundations, and ant trails.
- Identifying and sealing entry points to prevent future infestations.
- Providing ongoing recommendations to manage moisture and food sources that attract ants.
Regular, recurring treatments ensure your home remains ant-free throughout the year.
Why am I still seeing ants after pest control treatments?
You might still see ants immediately after treatment because the products we use encourage ants to carry treatments back to their colony, effectively eliminating them at the source. Within a few weeks, activity significantly decreases or disappears entirely.
How long does it take to fully eliminate ants after pest control treatments?
Most ant infestations in East Valley homes are significantly reduced or eliminated within 1-2 weeks following treatment. Severe infestations might require follow-up visits. Our recurring bi-monthly treatments help prevent ants from returning long-term.
Do I need regular pest control treatments for ants?
Yes, regular treatments are highly recommended in Arizona due to persistent ant populations, ensuring long-term control and prevention.
Can I get rid of ants without professional help?
DIY sprays may kill visible ants but won’t eliminate the colony. Professionals locate the nest and interrupt the reproductive cycle for longer-lasting results.
How can I prevent ants from returning?
Seal cracks, clean up crumbs, keep trash sealed, and fix moisture issues. Ongoing residential pest control adds another layer of protection.
What are the most common types of ants in Arizona’s East Valley?
In East Valley communities like Queen Creek, Gilbert, Chandler, and Mesa, the most frequently encountered ants include:
- Carpenter Ants: Large ants that can damage wood structures, often seen around moist wood.
- Fire Ants: Aggressive ants known for painful stings, frequently found in yards and outdoor spaces.
- Pavement Ants: Small, brown ants typically nesting near sidewalks, driveways, or foundations.
- Argentine Ants: Small, dark ants that create large colonies indoors and outdoors, attracted to food and moisture.
- Odorous House Ants: Identified by a distinct smell when crushed, these ants often invade kitchens and bathrooms.
Our team can accurately identify your ant species and apply targeted treatments to effectively eliminate them.
If you’ve spotted ants in your pantry or kitchen, don’t hesitate to call All Clear Pest Control for your free ant inspection and quote at 480-779-7378. Alternatively, you can complete our online form. Serving Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Apache Junction, and Florence AZ with effective ant control treatments.