Ants
Persistent invaders of kitchens, decks, and foundations
About Ants
Ants are among the most common pest complaints in Northwoods homes and cabins. Pavement ants, odorous house ants, and field ants are the species most frequently encountered — invading kitchens in search of food and moisture, nesting under slabs and patios, and trailing along foundations and decks. While they don't cause structural damage like carpenter ants, ant infestations are persistent and difficult to eliminate without treating the colony directly.
How to Identify Them
- Pavement ants: small (⅛ inch), dark brown to black, nest under slabs, sidewalks, and patios
- Odorous house ants: tiny (1/16 inch), dark brown, emit a rotten coconut smell when crushed
- Field ants: medium-sized, reddish-brown or black, nest in soil and under rocks outdoors
- Ant trails are a reliable sign — workers follow pheromone trails to food sources
- Winged swarmers appear in spring and summer — often confused with carpenter ant swarmers
Why They're a Problem
Common ants don't damage structures, but they contaminate food, are difficult to eliminate without professional treatment, and can be a persistent nuisance throughout the warm season. Over-the-counter sprays kill foraging workers but don't reach the colony — and can actually cause colonies to split and spread. Odorous house ants in particular are notorious for being nearly impossible to control without targeted professional treatment.
Signs of an Ant Infestation
- Ant trails in the kitchen, along baseboards, or on countertops
- Ants near food sources — especially sweets, grease, and pet food
- Ants on decks, patios, and around the foundation
- Small mounds of soil near cracks in slabs or along the foundation
- Winged swarmers inside the home in spring or summer
How K2 Treats Ants
Effective ant control requires treating the colony, not just the foragers. K2 uses targeted baiting and residual treatments that workers carry back to the colony, eliminating it at the source. Exterior perimeter treatments prevent foragers from entering the structure.
- 1Inspection to identify species, entry points, and colony locations
- 2Targeted bait placement in foraging areas — workers carry bait back to the colony
- 3Residual treatment to entry points, baseboards, and harborage areas
- 4Exterior perimeter treatment to block foraging trails and prevent re-entry
- 5Follow-up to confirm colony elimination and address any new activity
Prevention Tips
- Store food in sealed containers and keep counters clean and free of crumbs
- Fix leaks and eliminate moisture sources — ants are drawn to damp areas
- Seal cracks and gaps around the foundation, windows, and doors
- Keep firewood, mulch, and debris away from the foundation
- Trim vegetation that contacts the structure — ants use it as a bridge
- Annual perimeter treatments are highly effective at keeping ants out
Dealing with Ants?
Don't wait — call K2 for a free estimate and fast service anywhere in the Northwoods.
(715) 891-2501Free estimates · Same-week service