Ant Control Services 
in Reno

What are the Signs You Have an Ant Infestation?

Detecting an ant infestation early is crucial to prevent it from escalating. Here are some signs that indicate you might have an ant infestation:

• Visible Ants Inside Your Home: A Sure Sign of Trouble: Seeing ants indoors, especially in large numbers, is a clear sign of an infestation. They may be seen trailing along walls, floors, or countertops, particularly in areas where food is present.
• Ant Trails: The Pathway to the Problem: Ants typically follow scent trails to and from their nest to food sources. You may notice well-defined trails of ants moving back and forth between their nest and a food source.
• Ant Nests: Uncovering the Source of the Infestation: Depending on the species, ant nests can be found both indoors and outdoors. Look for small piles of soil or debris near your home’s foundation, in gardens, or under paving stones, as these may indicate ant nests.
• Frass: Telltale Signs of Carpenter Ant Activity: Some ant species create nests inside wooden structures. Frass, which is a mix of wood particles, soil, and insect waste, may be visible near entry points or around the nest.
• Rustling Noises: Listening for Carpenter Ants: Certain ant species, such as carpenter ants, may make rustling or crinkling sounds inside wooden structures as they excavate tunnels and chambers.
• Visible Wood Damage: A Red Flag for Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants can cause structural damage to wooden elements of buildings. Look for hollow-sounding or damaged wood, especially in areas prone to moisture like basements and attics.
• Piles of Frass or Debris: Evidence of an Active Ant Colony: Similar to termite infestations, some ants, particularly carpenter ants, push frass out of their nests. This can accumulate below entry points or on surfaces beneath infested wood.
• Worker Ants Indoors: A Sign of a Nearby Nest: Worker ants are responsible for foraging for food and maintaining the colony. Finding dead or living worker ants indoors, particularly near food sources or in areas where moisture is present, is a sign of infestation.
• Indoor Ant Nests: Hidden Habitats in Your Home: Some ant species, such as pharaoh ants, build nests indoors in hidden areas like wall voids, behind baseboards, or in cabinets. Look for signs of nesting activity in these locations.
• Plant Damage: Ants and Their Farming Practices: Certain ant species farm aphids or scale insects for their honeydew. If you notice damage to plants or the presence of aphids, it could indicate an ant infestation nearby.

If you suspect you have an ant infestation, it's essential to address it promptly to prevent further damage and potential health risks. Consulting with a pest control professional can help identify the extent of the infestation and develop an effective treatment plan.

Because many ant species in our region take advantage of small temperature changes, you might see activity increase around windows, sliding doors, and garage thresholds as the seasons shift. Paying attention to new trails or piles of debris in these areas can give you an early warning before colonies become deeply established in wall voids or roofing structures. When you reach out for help, we can inspect both living spaces and harder-to-access areas like crawl spaces to determine how advanced the problem is and what level of treatment is appropriate.