A Homeowner's Guide to Ant Control in Central Ohio: DIY vs. Professional

If you’re seeing more ants than usual, you’re not alone. Ants are the number one nuisance pest in the country, and in areas like Columbus, Westerville, and New Albany, they can feel like a year-round battle. But before you grab a can of bug spray, it's important to understand what you're up against. Different types of ants require different solutions. This guide will help you identify the common ants in our area, explore some DIY options, and understand when it’s time to call a professional for effective ant control in Central Ohio.

A common sight for homeowners: ants finding their way inside through a tiny, unseen gap in the floorboards.

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Common Ants in Central Ohio and How to Identify Them

Knowing your enemy is the first step. Here are three of the most common ants we encounter:

Odorous House Ants

Often mistaken for pavement ants, these small, dark brown or black ants are notorious for invading kitchens. Their tell-tale sign is the distinct, rotten coconut-like smell they emit when crushed.

Odorous house ants are drawn to sugary foods and moisture, which is why they are so commonly found invading kitchens and bathrooms. Here, two ants feed on a sweet liquid.

Pavement Ants

These ants are typically found nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and foundations, often leaving small mounds of dirt in their wake. They frequently enter homes in search of food.

Pavement ants get their name from their habit of nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and patios. A key sign of their presence is finding these small mounds of excavated dirt and sand along cracks in the concrete.

Carpenter Ants

The most destructive of the group, carpenter ants are larger, typically black, and nest in wood. A key sign of a carpenter ant problem is finding small piles of coarse sawdust (called "frass") near baseboards, in crawlspaces, or on window sills.

This close-up video shows carpenter ants actively excavating their nest. The sawdust-like material they are removing is called "frass." Finding piles of frass like this is a definitive sign of a destructive carpenter ant infestation that requires immediate professional attention to protect your home's structure.

Which Ant's Have You Seen This Year?

• Odorous House Ants
• Pavement Ants
• Carpenter Ants
• No Ants for Me!

You can vote for more than one answer.

DIY vs. Professional Ant Control in Central Ohio

Once you’ve seen ants, the next step is getting rid of them. While some minor issues can be handled with DIY methods, recurring or large-scale infestations require a professional strategy.

Effective DIY Ant Control Tips

For a minor issue, these IPM-aligned tips can help:

• Sanitation: Immediately clean up crumbs and spills. Store sugary foods, pet food, and grains in airtight containers.

• Eliminate Scent Trails: Clean areas where you've seen ants with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water to disrupt the pheromone trails they follow.

• Seal Entry Points: Do a thorough inspection and use caulk to seal any small cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and where utility lines enter the home.

When to Call a Professional

It's time to call an expert when:

• You see ants consistently, day after day.

• You find ants in multiple rooms of your house.

• You suspect you have carpenter ants, as they can cause significant structural damage.

A professional technician can accurately identify the ant species and use targeted, low-impact treatments that are more effective and safer than store-bought sprays. Our Guardian Plans provide a comprehensive, proactive barrier that is the most effective form of ant control in Central Ohio.

Professional ant control is about more than just eliminating pests; it's about the peace of mind to enjoy your home and yard without worry.

The Home Guard IPM Difference

At Home Guard IPM, we don’t just spray; we solve the problem. Our science-backed, consultative approach means we find the source of your ant issue and create a tailored plan to fortify your home, prioritizing your family's safety every step of the way. If you’re ready for a real solution to your ant problem, contact us today for a free consultation.

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