How to Get Rid of Ants Fast and Effectively

November 24, 2025

Table of Contents

    Ants might be small, but when they invade your home, they feel unstoppable. From kitchens to bathrooms to basements, once ants find a way inside, they leave a pheromone trail that can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation. If you’re tired of the endless battle with sprays, baits, and traps, this guide will break down how to eliminate ants quickly, effectively, and for good.


    Identify the Problem: Ant Species and Risks


    Not all ants are the same, and identifying the species is the first step in solving the problem. Common household invaders include:

    • Odorous House Ants – Attracted to sweets, they spread quickly.
    • Pavement Ants – Nest in cracks and crevices, often seen in kitchens.
    • Carpenter Ants – The most dangerous type, capable of weakening wooden structures by hollowing them out.

    Ant infestations aren’t just annoying; they carry risks. They contaminate food, damage property, and create a nuisance that DIY sprays rarely fix long-term.


    Quick Fixes and At-Home Prevention


    If you want to slow down ants before professional help arrives, start by cutting off what attracts them.

    • Clean up crumbs and spills immediately – ants follow food trails.
    • Seal cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and foundations.
    • Keep pet food and pantry items sealed in containers.

    These steps won’t eliminate the colony, but they’ll help reduce activity in areas where you see them.


    DIY Treatments vs. Professional Pest Control


    Store-bought traps, gels, and sprays may kill the ants you see, but they rarely reach the nest. Ant colonies can number in the tens of thousands — and a single surviving queen can rebuild the problem within weeks or even days.


    That’s why commercial pest control treatments are superior. At Domination Extermination, we apply residual chemicals designed to eliminate the colony at its source and prevent ants from coming back. Instead of chasing trails of ants for months, our methods deliver long-term results.


    Specialized Solutions for Key Ant Types


    Carpenter ants deserve special attention. Unlike nuisance ants that scavenge for food, carpenter ants dig through wood to build nests, leaving behind piles of sawdust near windowsills, baseboards, or crawlspaces. Left untreated, they can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage.


    Our targeted carpenter ant treatments eliminate the colony and safeguard your home’s structure, something DIY products simply can’t do.


    Long-Term Prevention Tips


    The best ant control isn’t just about eliminating today’s problem — it’s about preventing the next one. For lasting protection:

    • Schedule seasonal pest control checks to stay ahead of infestations.
    • Store food properly and keep counters free of crumbs.
    • Maintain your yard by trimming back bushes and eliminating standing water.
    • Repair leaks and moisture problems that attract ants.
    • Seal cracks and crevices around your home’s foundation.

    Taking these steps makes your home far less attractive to ants.


    When to Call a Professional – Why Choose Domination Extermination


    If you’ve tried sprays, traps, or home remedies without success, it’s time to call the experts. Domination Extermination is a local, family-owned pest control company with over a decade of hands-on experience. We don’t just control ants — we dominate them.

    

    When you book us, you deal directly with Domenic Anastasia, owner and operator, ensuring you get expert service every time — not a revolving door of techs. With residential and commercial pest control across New Jersey, Philadelphia Suburbs, and Delaware, we’re ready to protect your home or business.


    Frequently Asked Questions About Ant Removal

    • What smell do ants hate most?

      Vinegar, citrus, peppermint, and cinnamon can repel ants temporarily, but they won’t eliminate a colony.

    • How much does pest control cost for ants?

      Costs vary depending on the severity of the infestation, and the amount of bait and chemical used.

    • What scent will keep ants away?

      Strong scents like peppermint oil or vinegar can disrupt ant trails, but they’re short-term fixes.

    • What season do ants disappear?

      Ants are less active in winter but don’t expect them to disappear. Colonies move towards a heated structure and remain alive underground or inside walls, when ants make it inside the walls you will be seeing them often, one sweet scent is all it takes for you to see them.

    • How to find an ant nest in a house?

      Look for sawdust (carpenter ants), ant trails leading to walls or cracks, or activity near water sources.

    • What month are ants the worst?

      Spring and summer are peak seasons when ants forage aggressively and establish new colonies.

    ✅ Bottom Line: Ants are persistent, but they don’t stand a chance against professional treatment. Don’t waste another dollar on store-bought traps. Call Domination Extermination today at 856-633-0304 or visit DominationExtermination.com to schedule an appointment.