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You sprayed. You cleaned. You even bought the fancy traps from the hardware store. But here they are again, ants marching across your kitchen counter like they never left.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We hear it all the time from Dallas–Fort Worth homeowners.
Let’s break it down from a local pest control pro’s point of view, and more importantly, show you what actually works to stop them for good.
1. You’re Killing the Ants, Not the Colony
Most over the counter sprays only kill the ants you can see. The real problem is the nest, usually hidden deep in walls, under foundations, or out in the yard. When you kill off the visible ant’s family members, the colony simply sends out more.
2. You’re Using the Wrong Treatment for the Ant You Have
In Texas there are several types of ants, each one behaves differently.
Carpenter ants nest in wood. Odorous house ants are attracted to sweets. Fire ants, they’re aggressive and nest in mounds outside.
If you’re treating for the wrong the ant type, you’re just wasting time (and money).
3. You’re Chasing Them Indoors with DIY Sprays
Most ant sprays you buy at the store are repellent-based. When you spray it outside around your windows, doors, or patios, they can push ants into your home instead of stopping them.
Further Reading: How to Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Spots Around Your Home
4. There’s Still Food and Water Available
Ants will eat just about anything. A few crumbs under the toaster, a pet’s food bowl, or even a drip under the sink is enough to keep them coming. You can treat the house, but if food and water are still around, ants won’t stay gone for long.
5. Entry Points Were Never Sealed
Ants can squeeze through tiny cracks in walls, gaps in window screens, or under door frames. If you don’t seal those openings, they’ll keep finding their way back in.
6. You’re Skipping the Follow-Up
Even with professional help, ants don’t disappear overnight. Big colonies can have several queens and hidden satellite nests. If you skip the follow-up, the surviving ants will regroup, and the problem comes right back.
What Actually Works? A Complete Ant Control Plan
If you’re tired of the ant problem going in circles, here’s what really works:
- Professional-grade bait and non-repellent products
- Identification of ant species
- Indoor + outdoor perimeter treatments
- Entry point sealing
- Food/water source elimination
- Allow-up inspections and re-treatments
That’s how we do it here at EcoStar Pest Control. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across DFW finally stop ant problems, without the guesswork.
Need Help? Call EcoStar Pest Control Company Today
We know how frustrating ants can be, especially when you’ve already tried everything.
If you’re dealing with recurring ant issues in Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, Lewisville, or surrounding areas, give us a call. Our local team will come out, inspect your property, and provide you with a plan that actually works.
Useful Resource: How to Get Rid of Basement Bugs: 6 Simple Steps That Work
FAQ:
Q1: What attracts ants into my home in the first place?
Usually food crumbs, sugary spills, pet food, or moisture. Even a small leak can attract ants.
Q2: Why don’t store-bought ant sprays work?
Most sprays only kill the ants you see and don’t reach the queen or nest. Some even repel ants deeper into your walls.
Q3: How long does it take to eliminate an ant problem?
Depending on the species and size of the colony, it can take a few days to a couple of weeks with follow-up visits.
Q4: Can ants come back after professional treatment?
They can if entry points aren’t sealed or if food/water sources remain. That’s why we pair treatment with prevention.
Q5: Do I need year-round service?
In Texas, ants can be a problem year-round, especially after rains or during hot weather. A quarterly service plan helps keep them out for good.
Related Pest Control Services in DFW
Ants are just one of the many pests Texas homeowners face. At EcoStar Pest Control, we also provide: