Ant season is here, and if you’re noticing more ants marching into your home, you’re not alone. Warm weather brings them out in full force, searching for food, water, and shelter—which, unfortunately, means your home is a prime target.
We know how frustrating it is to deal with an infestation. That’s why we’re breaking down why ants invade, the types you’ll see in Arizona, and how to shut them down before they take over your space.
Why Ants Invade Homes When It’s Warm
1. They’re Chasing Food and Water
Ants are survivalists. When it gets hot, they need a reliable source of food and water, and your home is like a five-star restaurant to them. Spilled crumbs, unsealed snacks, and even damp sinks attract ants looking for their next meal.
2. They’re Expanding Their Colonies
Spring and summer are growth seasons for ant colonies. Queen ants start producing more workers, and suddenly, their underground homes are too crowded. So, they send out scouts to look for new nesting spots, which could be your home’s walls, foundation, or even inside cabinets.
3. The Heat is Driving Them Inside
Arizona heat is no joke, and just like we seek air-conditioned relief, ants look for cooler, protected spaces. Your home provides the perfect refuge from the sun, and if they find an opening, they’ll move right in.
Meet Arizona’s Most Unwanted Ants
1. Argentine Ants – The Invasion Experts
Argentine ants don’t just invade—they take over. These tiny brown pests form massive colonies, meaning if you see a few, there are likely thousands more close behind. They love sweet foods and can easily infest kitchens.
2. Odorous House Ants – The Smelly Intruders
Crush one of these tiny black ants, and you’ll get a strong whiff of something that smells like rotten coconut. These pests are relentless, forming long trails in search of sweets and water.
3. Carpenter Ants – The Homewreckers
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood, but they chew through it to build their nests. If you hear faint rustling inside your walls or spot large black ants around your home, you may have a carpenter ant problem.
4. Fire Ants – The Aggressive Biters
These red ants are more than just a nuisance—they sting. Fire ants prefer outdoor spaces, but if they find a way inside, expect painful encounters with these territorial pests.
How to Keep Ants Out for Good
1. Cut Off Their Food Supply
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Wipe up crumbs and spills immediately.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
- Take out the trash regularly and use a sealed bin.
2. Seal Up Entry Points
- Inspect doors, windows, and foundations for cracks.
- Use weather stripping to block tiny gaps.
- Add mesh screens to vents and other openings.
3. Eliminate Moisture
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets.
- Keep bathrooms and kitchen sinks dry.
- Ensure your yard drains properly to avoid standing water.
4. Use Ant Repellents
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth near entry points—it’s harmless to humans but deadly to ants.
- Use vinegar or essential oils like peppermint and tea tree oil to disrupt their pheromone trails.
- Set professional-grade baits to eliminate entire colonies.
When DIY Won’t Cut It—Call the Experts
Ants are persistent. If you’ve tried everything and they keep coming back, it’s time for professional pest control. At Great White Pest Control, we:
- Identify the exact species to target the source.
- Use customized treatments to eliminate the infestation.
- Provide long-term prevention solutions to keep ants from returning.
A few ants today can turn into thousands tomorrow. The key is stopping them before they get comfortable. Use these tips to secure your home, and if you need help, call Great White Pest Control at 602-316-1500 (Serving the Valley) for expert service that gets results.
For more insights on ant behavior, visit the University of Arizona’s Pest Management Resource: https://extension.arizona.edu/pests.