Professional Ant Control & Extermination

Don Baker Pest Control provides effective ant control services throughout central and eastern Illinois. Whether you're dealing with a few ants in your kitchen or a major infestation, our experienced technicians deliver comprehensive solutions that eliminate colonies and prevent future invasions.

Why Professional Ant Control Is Necessary

Ants are among the most persistent pests, requiring professional expertise to eliminate completely:

  • Colony Structure - Ant colonies can contain thousands to millions of individuals with multiple queens
  • Hidden Nests - Colonies often nest in walls, foundations, or underground where DIY treatments can't reach
  • Multiple Colonies - Some species establish satellite colonies, making complete elimination difficult
  • Food Contamination - Ants contaminate food sources and spread bacteria
  • Structural Damage - Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to wooden structures
  • Rapid Reproduction - Colonies grow quickly and can re-establish from surviving members
  • Treatment Resistance - Over-the-counter products often scatter colonies rather than eliminate them

Types of Ants We Control

Carpenter Ants

Large black or red ants that excavate wood to create nesting galleries. While they don't eat wood like termites, carpenter ants cause serious structural damage over time. They're attracted to moisture-damaged wood and can indicate underlying moisture problems.

Odorous House Ants

Small brown or black ants that emit a rotten coconut smell when crushed. These are the most common household ants in Illinois, forming large colonies with multiple queens. They're attracted to sweet foods and moisture.

Pavement Ants

Small brown ants that nest under sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. They enter homes through cracks in search of food and often form visible mounds in pavement cracks.

Pharaoh Ants

Tiny yellow or light brown ants that are particularly problematic in commercial buildings, hospitals, and multi-unit housing. They form super-colonies with multiple queens and are difficult to eliminate without professional treatment.

Acrobat Ants

Named for their ability to raise their abdomen over their head when disturbed. They often nest in wood damaged by moisture or other insects and can indicate structural issues.

Field Ants

Large ants that typically nest outdoors but may enter buildings in search of food. They're attracted to honeydew from aphids and sweet substances.

Thief Ants

Very small yellow ants that often nest near other ant colonies, stealing food and brood. They're attracted to protein and grease and can be difficult to control due to their size.

Signs of Ant Infestation

Recognize these common indicators of ant problems:

  • Ant Trails - Lines of ants following pheromone trails to food sources
  • Visible Ants - Seeing ants in kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas of your property
  • Sawdust Piles - Wood shavings below carpenter ant galleries
  • Rustling Sounds - Faint rustling in walls from large carpenter ant colonies
  • Winged Ants - Swarmers indicating a mature colony nearby
  • Nest Mounds - Dirt mounds in yards, driveways, or pavement cracks
  • Damaged Wood - Smooth galleries in wood from carpenter ant activity
  • Ant Debris - Dead ants, body parts, or wings near windows or doors

Our Ant Control Process

1. Comprehensive Inspection

Our certified technicians conduct a thorough inspection to:

  • Identify the ant species for targeted treatment
  • Locate nesting sites and colony locations
  • Identify entry points and ant trails
  • Assess the extent of the infestation
  • Determine attractants and conducive conditions
  • Check for moisture issues or structural damage

2. Customized Treatment Plan

We develop a tailored strategy based on:

  • Ant species and behavior patterns
  • Colony location and size
  • Interior and exterior treatment needs
  • Environmental considerations
  • Long-term prevention strategies

3. Professional Treatment

Our multi-faceted approach ensures complete colony elimination:

Baiting Systems

  • Professional-grade ant baits that workers carry back to the colony
  • Slow-acting formulations that eliminate the entire colony including queens
  • Species-specific baits for maximum effectiveness
  • Strategic placement along ant trails and near nests

Liquid Treatments

  • Perimeter treatments creating a protective barrier
  • Crack and crevice applications for targeted control
  • Non-repellent products that ants transfer throughout the colony
  • Residual formulations for long-lasting protection

Dust Applications

  • Insecticidal dusts for wall voids and hard-to-reach areas
  • Long-lasting control in protected spaces
  • Effective for carpenter ant galleries

Foam Treatments

  • Expanding foam for wall voids and structural voids
  • Reaches hidden nesting sites
  • Ideal for carpenter ant colonies in walls

4. Exclusion & Prevention

We help prevent future ant invasions:

  • Sealing entry points and cracks in foundations
  • Identifying and correcting moisture issues
  • Removing attractants and food sources
  • Trimming vegetation away from structures
  • Recommendations for sanitation improvements

5. Follow-Up Service

Ant control requires ongoing attention:

  • Follow-up visits to monitor treatment effectiveness
  • Re-treatment as needed until complete elimination
  • Seasonal monitoring and prevention programs
  • Guaranteed results with continued service

Residential Ant Control

Protect your home with our residential ant control services:

  • Kitchen and pantry ant elimination
  • Bathroom and moisture area treatments
  • Carpenter ant control and wood protection
  • Perimeter treatments to prevent entry
  • Yard and landscape ant control
  • Safe treatments for homes with children and pets
  • One-time treatments and ongoing prevention programs

Commercial Ant Control

Keep your business ant-free and compliant:

  • Restaurants and food service facilities
  • Warehouses and distribution centers
  • Office buildings and commercial properties
  • Healthcare facilities and nursing homes
  • Retail stores and shopping centers
  • Multi-family housing and apartments
  • Regular monitoring and documentation for inspections
  • Discreet service to protect your reputation

Carpenter Ant Control Specialists

Carpenter ants require specialized treatment due to the structural damage they cause:

  • Thorough inspection to locate parent and satellite colonies
  • Moisture assessment to identify conducive conditions
  • Direct nest treatment when accessible
  • Wall void and structural void treatments
  • Exterior perimeter treatments
  • Wood treatment and protection
  • Recommendations for moisture control and repairs
  • Follow-up monitoring to ensure complete elimination

Ant Prevention Tips

Between professional treatments, help prevent ant problems:

  • Clean up spills and crumbs immediately
  • Store food in sealed, airtight containers
  • Keep counters, floors, and surfaces clean
  • Take out garbage regularly and use sealed containers
  • Fix leaky pipes and eliminate moisture sources
  • Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations
  • Trim trees and shrubs away from your building
  • Remove standing water and fix drainage issues
  • Store firewood away from your home
  • Clean pet food bowls and don't leave food out overnight
  • Repair damaged wood and address moisture problems promptly

Why Ants Invade Your Property

Understanding what attracts ants helps prevent infestations:

  • Food Sources - Crumbs, spills, pet food, and accessible pantry items
  • Water - Leaky pipes, condensation, and moisture problems
  • Shelter - Cracks, voids, and protected nesting sites
  • Weather - Heavy rain or extreme temperatures drive ants indoors
  • Landscaping - Mulch, vegetation, and debris near foundations
  • Honeydew - Aphids and other insects that produce sweet secretions

Seasonal Ant Activity

Spring

Ant activity increases as temperatures warm. Colonies become active and begin foraging. Winged reproductive ants swarm to establish new colonies.

Summer

Peak ant activity with maximum foraging and colony growth. Carpenter ants are most active at night during warm months.

Fall

Ants seek shelter indoors as temperatures drop. Increased indoor activity as colonies prepare for winter.

Winter

Outdoor ant activity decreases, but indoor colonies remain active. Ideal time for preventive treatments and exclusion work.

Why Choose Don Baker for Ant Control?

Our ant extermination services provide:

  • Species Identification - Accurate identification for targeted, effective treatment
  • Experienced Technicians - Certified professionals trained in ant biology and behavior
  • Complete Colony Elimination - We target the source, not just visible ants
  • Safe Methods - Products safe for your family and pets
  • Guaranteed Results - We continue treatment until ants are eliminated
  • Prevention Focus - Long-term solutions to keep ants from returning
  • Flexible Programs - One-time treatments or ongoing prevention plans
  • Competitive Pricing - Professional ant control at fair rates

Schedule Your Ant Control Service Today

Don't let ants take over your kitchen, damage your property, or disrupt your business. Contact Don Baker Pest Control today to schedule a comprehensive ant inspection and treatment. Our experienced team will eliminate your ant problem and help prevent future invasions.

Call us today for effective ant control services!