Ants are one of the most persistent household pests. Whether they’re trailing across kitchen counters, nesting in walls, or spreading through landscaping, ant infestations require more than surface sprays. Effective ant control focuses on locating colonies, interrupting foraging trails, and reducing the conditions that allow ants to return.
Pestcom Pest Management provides targeted ant control services designed to eliminate active infestations and help prevent future activity through proven treatment and prevention strategies.
How Ant Infestations Start
Ants don’t appear randomly. They establish colonies near reliable food, moisture, and shelter sources, then send out foragers that create scent trails into homes and buildings.
Common contributors include:
Foundation gaps, slab seams, and utility penetrations
Moisture near kitchens, bathrooms, and crawl spaces
Landscaping contact with siding or trim
Food residue, spills, and improperly sealed containers
Once trails are established, ants can return quickly if the colony itself isn’t addressed.
Our Ant Control Approach
Inspection
We start by identifying the ant species, locating nesting and satellite colonies, and mapping how ants are entering the structure. Inspections include interior living spaces, utility areas, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior perimeters.
Targeted Treatment
Ant control combines:
Precision baiting placed along active trails to reach the colony
Residual perimeter treatments where ants travel and enter
Targeted interior service only when needed
This approach avoids scattering ants and focuses on eliminating the source.
Prevention & Follow-Up
After treatment, we provide clear recommendations to reduce re-entry risk, including sealing gaps, managing moisture, trimming vegetation, and adjusting storage practices. Ongoing service plans help keep protective barriers active year-round.
How Do We Exterminate Ants?
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Fast scheduling Inspection to Service Same-day assessment -
Ant Treatment & Removal
We stop the infestation in its tracks by exterminating all traces of ants in your home. Our treatments are tough on insects, but safe for your family and pets. This is what you can expect on the day of treatment:
- Our technicians come to your home at a time that is convenient for you, and they immediately get to work
- We apply the necessary treatments to the infested areas of the home or yard
- We inspect the infected areas to make sure every single ant is eliminated
We use the most effective treatments in order to completely remove ants and their nests from your home. Our ant treatments are tough on pests but safe for your family and pets.
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Ant Preventative Treatments
Now that the ants are gone from your Boise home, we make sure they never come back! To ensure that your home will be protected in the future, our technicians will do the following:
- Apply treatments in strategic locations to create a barrier around your home that keeps ants out
- Make recommendations to reduce the chance of an infestation, including sealing food containers and keeping surfaces clean
- Return for regular treatments as necessary
We want to make sure you never have to see another trail of ants crawling around your home again!
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Ants in Our Area
Ants can be found just about anywhere. They thrive inside and outside — in cold environments and hot ones. And they are located in nearly every corner of the planet, including Idaho. There are quite a few different types of ants in Boise, from wood-boring carpenter ants to pavement ants living in the cracks of sidewalks and driveways. Some common species are:
- The Carpenter Ant
- The Black Carpenter Ant
- The Formica Ant
- The Red Pavement Ant
Since there are a variety of ant species in Treasure Valley, you can find them in your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, yard or even in the walls of your home. Our team of Boise-based pest technicians are experts are ant control. We know where ants like to hide and how to get rid of them quickly. If you are experiencing ant problems or if you want to avoid ants from invading your property, give Pestcom a call.
Ant Species We Commonly Treat
Different ants require different strategies. We regularly treat:
Odorous house ants – attracted to sweets and moisture
Pavement ants – nest in cracks of concrete and foundations
Carpenter ants – excavate damp or decaying wood
Field and thatch ants – often form mounds in turf or landscape beds
Carpenter ants, in particular, often signal moisture issues and require a more involved treatment approach.
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In fact, everyone in the office and every technician that I have ever had out to our home has been fantastic!- Halen M. -
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Aaron Evan is amazing. Such a wonderful gentleman, terrific worker and a fantastic example for the company.- Lisa B. -
"Outstanding Job!"
Aaron installed Christmas lights on my trees and shrubs. He and his team did an outstanding job. A few strands were not working, and he promptly returned the next morning to replace them.- Connie M. -
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"Great Service!"
Pestcom is the gem of the treasure valley by an employee’s view of the company. They have detailed policy and procedures, regular training sessions, the owners were accessible and they never forgot where they started.- Timothy B.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 208-795-3298 today!
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Do you monitor after it’s resolved?Yes - monitoring and rechecks can be added, especially for canal-adjacent lots, open-field edges, or foothill neighborhoods.
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How many visits are typical?Initial setup + 1-2 follow-ups resolves most homes; severe cases may require additional checks and sealing.
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Will I need interior service or just exterior for rodents?We service both - interior where activity is present and exterior to stop new entry and pressure.
What Are Signs of Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants dig tunnels in wood to build their nests. They don’t eat the wood, but they chew through it to create tunnel systems — and this can do considerable damage.
Some signs of carpenter ants are:
- A thick sawdust material around wooden materials, such as baseboards, windowsills, and wooden furniture
- Piles of wings on the ground
- Large winged ants emerging from ceilings and walls
- Scraping noises within walls as the ants chew through them
Detecting carpenter ants early is key to preventing significant structural damage. Regular inspections by a pest management professional who understands the behaviors of carpenter ants can effectively prevent infestations from escalating. Seasonal changes can also lead to increases in carpenter ant activity, so attention should be heightened during such times.
How Do Ants Get Inside a Home?
If you have an ant problem, you may be wondering how ants got inside your home in the first place. There are a couple answers to that question.
Typically, ants crawl through small cracks and crevices in a home. If a window is open or has a crack in the frame, or if there are gaps in your home’s foundation, ants can slip right through. If a scout ant finds food, they may bring their entire colony with them to your home.
Ants can also be brought into the home accidentally through plants or even a child’s or dog’s toy.
The geographic and environmental conditions of Boise create favorable environments for a variety of ant species to thrive. With household clutter or yard debris, a home can become more susceptible to infestations. By maintaining a clutter-free yard and sealing all potential entry points, along with regular pest control services, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of ant invasions.
Protect Your Property: Preventative Ant Control Solutions
While eliminating ants is important, taking a proactive approach can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Our Pestcom Pest Management team offers tailored preventative measures that address the root causes of ant infestations. By understanding the behavior of these pests, we can help you keep ants out of your home and yard.
Consider implementing our preventative ant control strategies, including:
- Regular inspections: Schedule periodic inspections to identify potential entry points and nests before they become a problem.
- Seal entry points: Use our advice to seal cracks, gaps, and openings in your home's exterior that may serve as pathways for ants.
- Proper food storage: Learn tips on how to store food effectively, minimizing the chances of attracting ants.
- Lawn maintenance: Maintain your yard by clearing debris and trimming bushes to discourage ant harborage near your home.
Investing in preventative measures helps you stay ahead of ant infestations and contributes to a healthier living environment for you and your family. Regular updates and advancements in pest control methods mean that our strategies are continually improving, ensuring you receive the most effective and modern solutions available.
Contact Pestcom Pest Management to discover how our preventative strategies can protect your property effectively.
Detailed Insights on Ant Species in the Treasure Valley
Persistent Local Pests
Several ant species are particularly notable due to their persistence and potential to invade homes. The most common among these are odorous house ants, which are known for their distinctive smell when crushed, and pavement ants that often nest between cracks in driveways and sidewalks. Both types are attracted to sweet and greasy food substances and can quickly form trails leading from outdoors to your kitchen or pantry.
Understanding the specific types of ants common to our area helps in crafting targeted control strategies. While larger carpenter ants are less common, their presence typically suggests issues with moisture that can lead to rapid structural damage. Each ant species has unique behaviors and habitats, which require specialized strategies for effective control and elimination. For homeowners, identifying these characteristic features early can facilitate timely intervention and remedy.
Mitigation Tactics
For each species, specific mitigation tactics are recommended. Odorous house ants, for example, respond well to ant baits placed along their trails, which they will carry back to the colony. Pavement ants can often be deterred by sealing entry points and maintaining clean spaces free of crumbs and spills. Carpenter ants necessitate a more involved strategy, often requiring moisture control and possibly professional treatment to ensure colonies are fully eradicated.
Our climate, characterized by cold winters and dry summers, affects ant behavior and colony dynamics. During winter, ants may seek the warmth of indoors, while summer heat drives increased outdoor activity. Being ready and proactive during these seasonal changes can ensure your home remains protected and prevent conflicting ant-human interactions.
Answering Your Questions: Ant Control FAQ
Are Ant Infestations More Common During Certain Times of the Year?
Ant infestations in the Treasure Valley typically peak during warmer months as the ants' natural activities increase. During spring and summer, ants are on the lookout for food and optimal nesting places due to the conducive climate. This often leads them indoors in search of food. However, it is not uncommon for infestations to continue through the fall, particularly if conducive indoor environments are found. In winter, though many ants may seem inactive, indoor sightings may still occur as they seek warmth and access food supplies. Homeowners should be watchful year-round, implementing preventative measures consistently to mitigate seasonal peaks in ant activities.
How Can I Identify the Types of Ants in My Home?
Identifying the species of ants in your home involves observing certain key characteristics, such as color, size, and behavior. Odorous house ants are small and dark-colored, with a pungent odor when smashed. Pavement ants are similarly dark but more likely found in cracks outdoors. Carpenter ants are larger, usually black or red, and found near wood. Professional pest control services can accurately identify ants, aiding in effective treatment and prevention strategies. If unsure, it’s advisable to seek professional insights to ensure a comprehensive understanding and tailored solutions.
What Should I Avoid When Trying to Remove Ants Myself?
Do-it-yourself ant removal methods can sometimes backfire if not approached carefully. Avoid using insecticides indiscriminately, as they can cause ants to scatter, worsening the infestation. Also, refrain from disturbing ant trails initially, as their pheromone paths can be used to carry baits back to the colony. It's important to use correct methods specific to the ant species and employ environmentally safe products. Consulting a professional service provides the dual benefits of expertise and effective products that precisely target the problem without unnecessary risks.
Is It Necessary to Manage Ants Located Outdoors?
Managing outdoor ant populations is essential as it prevents them from becoming indoor problems. Outdoor management involves habitat modification such as trimming branches that touch the house, removing debris, and addressing moisture issues. Transferring an outdoor issue indoors can happen through small cracks or even via pets and humans, thus maintaining outdoor ant management is a form of primary defense. Locally, our area enjoys diverse outdoor environments, careful attention to landscaping and outdoor cleanliness is an effective deterrent.
Why Should I Consider Professional Ant Control Services?
Professional ant control services provide comprehensive solutions beyond what typical DIY methods might achieve. Professionals have access to advanced tools and treatments tailored to the specific needs of the valley environment. They not only address the current infestation but also provide guidance and prevention strategies to avoid future issues. Furthermore, professional services come with assurances of safety and thoroughness, giving homeowners peace of mind in knowing that their households are protected by reliable and effective solutions.
Signs of an Ant Problem
Early detection helps limit spread and damage. Common signs include:
Visible ant trails indoors or outdoors
Winged ants (swarmers) appearing seasonally
Sawdust-like debris near trim or baseboards
Small soil mounds near foundations or garden beds
Faint rustling or movement sounds in walls
DIY vs Professional Ant Control
Store-bought sprays may kill visible ants, but they often cause colonies to split and relocate, making infestations harder to control. Professional ant control focuses on:
Correct species identification
Colony-level elimination
Long-term prevention
Licensed technicians also identify contributing factors such as moisture and structural entry points that DIY methods often overlook.
Preparing for Ant Service
Before We Arrive
Clear 12–18 inches around the foundation
Trim shrubs touching the structure
Wipe up food residue and note active trail locations
After Treatment
Avoid hosing foundations for 24 hours
Expect activity to taper within 7–10 days
Maintain vegetation clearance and report new activity
Ongoing Ant Prevention
Preventative ant control focuses on reducing the conditions ants need to survive.
Helpful practices include:
Regular inspections
Sealing cracks and gaps
Proper food storage and cleanup
Managing moisture and landscaping
Proactive service helps stop ants before trails form.
Ant Control Service Areas
We provide ant control services throughout southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon, including residential and commercial properties across the Treasure Valley and surrounding communities.
Pestcom Pest Management
16201 N 20th St, Suite 110, Nampa, ID 83687
Call: (208) 795-3298 • Mon–Fri 8–5
Office: Nampa, ID • Counties Served: Ada • Canyon • Owyhee • Payette • Gem • Malheur
Licensing: All services performed by Idaho State Department of Agriculture–licensed technicians; continuing education hours maintained with ISDA.