Ant Pest Control In Los Angeles

Argentine Ants

Argentine ants, also known as black ants, are the most common type of ants found in homes. Originally from Argentina, these ants spread throughout the country by hitching rides in shipping containers during the early 20th century. Unlike other ant species, black ants do not attack or compete with each other, which has contributed to their prolific spread.

Black ant infestations are typically influenced by local weather patterns. These ants are highly likely to move indoors in search of food, water, and shelter during hot and dry spells, the rainy season, or unseasonably cold weather. Although they are not poisonous to humans, they can quickly take over kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, Argentine ants protect agricultural pests like aphids from predators and parasites, which can overrun gardens. It is important to eliminate black ant infestations outside as soon as they are detected to prevent them from invading your home.

Treatment of Argentine Ants

Treatment of black ants begins with a state-licensed technician inspecting your home or business to identify the pest species and the source of the problem. The technician will then customize a treatment plan using low-toxicity, low to no odor pesticides to treat both the interior and exterior of your property. Since black ants are known to return with weather changes, we recommend starting a regular pest maintenance program to keep ants away year-round. Our maintenance plans are flexible and designed to fit your schedule and needs.

Red Imported Fire Ant

In recent years, Red Imported Fire Ants, commonly known as fire ants, have started migrating west. Typically found in desert areas, these ants have begun infiltrating populated regions of Southern California due to warmer, drier weather. Fire ants are slightly larger than Argentine ants and are reddish-orange in color. They build their nests in sandy mounds outdoors or near structural foundations.

Fire ants become aggressive when threatened. While a single sting is quite unpleasant, fire ants are not typically dangerous. However, multiple stings can cause anaphylactic shock, posing a danger to pets, small children, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Fire ant infestations need to be addressed quickly to avoid painful encounters and potential health risks.

Treatment of Fire Ants

Finding fire ant mounds on your property?

If you find fire ant mounds on your property, Pest Innovations uses low-toxicity, low or no-smell pesticides to treat fire ant infestations. Depending on the location, a Pest Innovations technician will determine the best treatment plan, often recommending a full exterior treatment to eliminate the ants and prevent future infestations. The technician may also use granules or gel bait if the ants are coming from cracks and crevices. These treatments are designed to be effective yet minimally disruptive, allowing you to continue your daily activities without significant interruption.

When you call Pest Innovations to treat your ant infestation, we will send a state-licensed technician to your home or office to determine the scope of the problem. After a thorough walkthrough of your property, the technician will recommend a customized treatment plan using low-toxicity, low or no-odor pesticides, gel bait, or granules. Our treatments are designed to be done while you are home, so there's no need to worry about relocating for the day. Because ant infestations can be caused by severe weather changes, a one-time treatment may not be enough to keep them out of your home all year. We offer monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly services to ensure ongoing protection and peace of mind.

Treatment Options

We offer several ant pest control treatment options depending on your needs, the severity of the infestation, and the location of the pests:

Gel Baits

Gel ant bait products provide excellent secondary knockdown of ants after the initial treatment or in sensitive areas. These baits contain active ingredients like fipronil, which work slowly over a couple of weeks. Ants bring the bait back to the colony, transferring it to the queen and other members. Gel baits are ideal for tight spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, where they are protected from the weather.

Dusts

Completely odorless and non-staining, dusts are long-term residual pesticides that kill ants through contact. Dusts are best suited for crack and crevice use where ants enter the structure, providing residual protection for up to 8 months when left undisturbed.

Granules

An increasingly popular method, granules are broadcast around the exterior of the property, laying down a protective barrier that stops ants from entering the structure. This method is particularly useful for preventing new infestations.

Low & No Odor Repellent Sprays

These sprays are diluted in water and broadcast over a property, killing ants on contact and deterring future infestations for up to 2 months. This method also exterminates other exterior pests such as spiders, fleas, and cockroaches, providing comprehensive pest control.

Non-Repellent Sprays

Products like Termidor are undetectable to ants, allowing them to continue foraging undisturbed. After contacting non-repellent pesticides, ants return to their nest and spread the treatment through contact, effectively killing the colony. This method ensures that even the hidden ants within the colony are eliminated.

By choosing Pest Innovations, you can trust that your ant infestations will be handled professionally and thoroughly with minimal disruption to your daily life. Contact us today for more information about our comprehensive pest control services and to schedule a consultation with one of our state-licensed technicians. We are committed to providing effective, and reliable pest control solutions to keep your home and business pest-free year-round.