How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Dallas Home

Why Ants Invade: They seek food, water, and shelter—crumbs, unsealed food, and leaks attract them.

Step 1: Identify the Ant Species: Different types (sugar ants, carpenter ants, fire ants, pharaoh ants) require different treatments.

Step 2: Eliminate Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers, clean spills, take out the trash, and wash dishes immediately.

Step 3: Use the Best Ant Killer:

• Ant baits – Best for long-term colony elimination.

• Natural remedies – Vinegar, diatomaceous earth, and citrus peels deter ants.

• Ant sprays –Over-the-counter sprays like Raid act as repellents, killing some ants but not eliminating colonies. However, professional-grade non-repellent sprays work more effectively by allowing ants to unknowingly spread the treatment throughout the colony..

Step 4: Seal Entry Points: Use caulk, fix leaks, and install door sweeps to block ant access.

Step 5: Treat the Exterior: Trim bushes, remove wood piles, and apply barrier treatments to prevent reinfestation.

When to Call a Pro: If DIY methods fail, Forterra Pest Control offers expert, eco-friendly solutions to eliminate ants for good.

Ants are tiny, but when they start invading your home, they can feel like an unstoppable army. Whether they’re in your kitchen, bathroom, or crawling along your windowsills, getting rid of ants in Dallas can be frustrating.

If you’ve tried squishing them one by one or using random sprays that don’t seem to work, you’re not alone. The truth is, eliminating ants for good takes a little more strategy than just spraying and hoping for the best.

So, if you're dealing with these pesky invaders, keep reading. This guide will walk you through how to get rid of ants, what actually works, and when it’s time to call in the professionals at Forterra Pest Control for a long-term solution.

Why Are Ants Invading Your Dallas Home?

Before we talk about solutions, let’s answer a simple question: Why are ants in your house in the first place?

Here’s the deal—ants are always on the hunt for food, water, and shelter. If they find any of these in your home, they won’t hesitate to move in. Some common reasons ants invade homes in Dallas include:

• Crumbs and food spills – Even tiny leftovers can attract an ant colony.
• Unsealed food – Sugar, bread, and even pet food left out can be a feast for ants.
• Standing water or leaks – Ants need water to survive, and damp areas under sinks or leaky pipes make perfect nesting spots.
• Easy access points – Small cracks in doors, windows, and foundations allow ants to march right in.

Once they find a reliable food source, they leave behind a chemical trail so the rest of their colony can follow. That’s why you’ll often see a long trail of ants instead of just one or two.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home

Step 1: Identify the Type of Ants in Your Home

Different ant species require different treatments. The most common types in Dallas include:

• Sugar Ants (Odorous House Ants) – These love sweets and are often found in kitchens.
• Carpenter Ants – Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, but they tunnel into it, causing damage to homes.
• Fire Ants – These aggressive ants bite and sting, and they typically nest in yards but can find their way indoors.
• Pharaoh Ants – Small and hard to control, they prefer warm, humid spaces like bathrooms and kitchens.

Knowing what type of ant you’re dealing with will help you choose the best ant killer for home use and prevent future infestations.

Step 2: Eliminate Food Sources

One of the easiest ways to stop an ant problem is to remove their food supply. Here’s how:

• Store food in airtight containers – This includes sugar, cereal, and pet food.
• Clean up crumbs and spills immediately – Even a few leftover crumbs can attract ants.
• Take out the trash regularly – Make sure the garbage bin is sealed properly.
• Wash dirty dishes right away – Leaving dishes in the sink overnight is an open invitation for ants.

Step 3: Use the Best Ant Killer for Home

Not all ant killers work the same way. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need one or a combination of these methods:

Ant Baits (Highly Effective for Long-Term Control)

• Ant baits are the best ant killer for home infestations because they target the entire colony.
• Worker ants take the poisoned bait back to the nest, where it kills the queen and the rest of the colony.
• Look for slow-acting ant baits that allow time for the poison to spread.

Examples of effective ant baits include Maxforce Quantum and Intice Gelanimo, both known for their ability to control various ant species.

Natural Remedies (For Light Infestations)

• Vinegar and water spray – Erases ant trails but does not kill the colony.
• Diatomaceous earth – A natural powder that dehydrates and kills ants on contact.
• Cinnamon or citrus peels – These are natural ant deterrents, but they won’t eliminate a full-blown infestation.

Ant Sprays (Short-Term Fix)

• Over-the-counter sprays like Raid kill ants on contact but do not eliminate the colony. While they provide a quick fix, ants will likely return without additional treatment. 
• For more effective long-term control, consider using non-repellent sprays that ants unknowingly spread throughout the colony.

Step 4: Seal Entry Points

If you don’t want ants coming back, you need to block their access into your home.

• Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and walls.
• Fix leaks and reduce moisture around sinks and drains.
• Install door sweeps to keep ants from sneaking under doors.

Step 5: Treat the Outside of Your Home

If you only focus on indoor treatments, you’ll keep fighting the same battle. Treating your yard and home exterior is just as important.

• Trim back trees and bushes that touch your house—ants use them as bridges to get inside.
• Remove wood piles and yard debris where ants can nest.
• Apply ant barrier treatments around the foundation of your home. For the best results, use a fipronil-based product, as it provides long-lasting protection and effectively spreads through the colony.

When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service

If you’ve tried everything and ants keep coming back, it’s time to call in the experts.

At Forterra Pest Control, they know exactly how to get rid of ants for good. They use:

✔ Targeted treatments to eliminate entire ant colonies, not just the ones you see.
✔ Eco-friendly solutions that are safe for kids and pets.
✔ Preventative plans to keep ants from coming back.

Dallas homeowners trust Forterra Pest Control for reliable, long-term pest solutions that actually work. If you’re tired of dealing with ants, give them a call and let the pros handle it.

Final Thoughts

Ant infestations are frustrating, but they don’t have to be permanent. By taking the right steps—removing food sources, using the best ant killer for home infestations, sealing entry points, and treating your yard—you can stop ants before they take over.

However, if ants keep coming back no matter what you do, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Forterra Pest Control can provide a customized pest control plan to eliminate ants and keep them out for good.

Ready to take action? Contact Forterra Pest Control today and enjoy an ant-free home!