Few household pests are as relentless—or as frustrating—as ants. Once a few ants find their way into your home, it seems the whole colony follows. So, can pest control truly get rid of ants? At Positive Pest Management, we say: absolutely yes—with the right expertise, approach, and follow-up. Here’s how we do it.
Why Ant Infestations Happen—and Why DIY Often Falls Short
Ants are tiny but mighty. They communicate with pheromone trails: when one ant finds food, it lays down a scent path back to the colony, and soon dozens follow that trail to the source. Covering these scent lines or wiping them away may disrupt ants temporarily, but it does not eliminate the nest.
Home remedies—like natural repellents (peppermint, vinegar), salt, pepper, or boiling water—can offer quick relief, but they often address symptoms, not the root cause. Combine that with ant behaviors like “budding” (splitting nests when threatened), and you can quickly end up with a bigger problem than you started with.
Why Professional Pest Control Works — and DIY Doesn’t
1. Accurate Identification & Targeted Strategy
Ant species matter. For example, Argentine ants require sweet baits, while Pharaoh ants respond to insect growth regulator (IGR) baits. Our Positive Pest Management experts perform thorough inspections, pinpointing species and nesting locations (wall voids, under floors, tree roots), enabling customized treatment plans from day one.
2. Expert Baiting & Non‑Repellent Treatments
Rather than spraying visible ants, we use slow-acting baits and non-repellent insecticides that let ants carry the treatment back to their nestmates. This ensures colony-wide elimination and avoids triggering budding or evasive behavior.
3. Effective Perimeter & Crack‑Sealing Barriers
A professional treatment isn’t just reactive—it’s preventative. Our technicians treat home exteriors, foundation lines, and entry points, sealing cracks and reducing access for future invaders.
4. Safety First
We use EPA-approved products applied precisely where they’re needed—without unnecessary exposure to your household or pets. Our safety protocols ensure treatments are carried out responsibly and thoroughly.
5. Ongoing Prevention & Follow‑Up
Professional pest control isn’t a one-off. Routine appointments allow us to monitor for re-emerging ants, confirm treatments are still effective, and reinforce sanitation and exclusion practices to maintain an ant-free home.
Common DIY Mistakes—Why They Backfire
- Spraying visible ants only: This may kill a few workers but leaves the nest intact—and can trigger budding, making the problem multiply.
- Mixing DIY sprays and baits: Sprays repel ants, preventing them from accessing nearby baits—neutralizing both treatments.
- Using natural repellents incorrectly: Vinegar, essential oils, pepper, and salt may temporarily disrupt ants, but they offer no long-term solution.
What Positive Pest Management Does Differently
Inspection
We methodically identify ant species, assess entry points, and locate nests in and around your home.
Customized Treatment
We select the most effective bait formulas and insecticides tailored to the species found, paired with precise application to limit collateral exposure.
Barrier Installation & Crack Sealing
We fortify your home with treated boundaries and seal vulnerabilities to block future invasions.
Cleanup & Sanitation Guidance
Our team advises you on best practices—like sealing food, wiping counters, and managing moisture—to complement our work.
Follow‑Up Services
We schedule follow-up visits within weeks to ensure the infestation is resolved and to reinforce your home’s defenses.
When to Call Us—Signs You Need Professional Help
- You see multiple ants repeatedly, especially foraging trails inside your home.
- Ants are setting up nesting areas in walls, floors, or foundation.
- Common DIY methods aren’t working—or seem to make things worse.
- You're dealing with tough species like Argentine ants or Pharaoh ants, known for complex colony behaviors.
Real Results in NYC Homes
Based in Brooklyn and serving all five boroughs, we've built a reputation for thorough, friendly, and effective service. From intimate apartments to large commercial spaces, our licensed technicians take the stress out of pest control—leaving you with peace of mind.
The Final Word
Yes, pest control can get rid of ants—but only when it’s done right. DIY fixes are fine for a few stragglers, but professional pest control from Positive Pest Management ensures:
- Complete elimination of nests
- No budding or colony sprouting
- Long-term protection through barriers and prevention
- Safety and precision using licensed products
- Expert follow‑up through inspections and maintenance
Take Action Now
Don’t let ants take over your home this season. Contact Positive Pest Management for pest control in New York. We’ll help you reclaim your space—ant-free!
