Ant Control NYC
Carpenter ants, pavement ants, and all ant species eliminated
Book NowAnt infestations are one of the most common pest complaints in NYC, particularly in brownstones and older apartment buildings. Pavement ants, carpenter ants, and odorous house ants are the most frequent species encountered. While pavement ants are primarily a nuisance, carpenter ants can cause structural damage by excavating nesting galleries in moisture-damaged wood.
Signs of Ant Control Problems
Watch for ant trails along baseboards, counters, and windowsills, small piles of sawdust-like material (frass) near wood structures (indicates carpenter ants), winged ants swarming near windows in spring, and ants emerging from cracks in foundations, walls, or around plumbing.
Our IPM Approach
Our ant control program begins with species identification — different ants require different treatments. We use targeted bait systems that worker ants carry back to eliminate the colony, exclusion work to seal entry points, moisture management recommendations (critical for carpenter ants), and monitoring to confirm elimination.
Why Hire a Professional
Spraying ants you can see only kills a tiny fraction of the colony. The queen continues producing workers, and the colony reroutes around treated areas. Professional baiting systems exploit ant foraging behavior to eliminate the entire colony from within. For carpenter ants, identifying and addressing the moisture source is essential to prevent reinfestation.
Service Areas
We provide ant control services across all five NYC boroughs:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell carpenter ants from regular ants?
Carpenter ants are significantly larger (1/4 to 1/2 inch), typically solid black, and often seen individually rather than in trails. You may find frass (wood shavings) near baseboards or window frames. Pavement ants are about 1/8 inch and dark brown.
Can ants damage my brownstone?
Carpenter ants can cause significant structural damage by excavating nesting galleries in moisture-softened wood. While they work slower than termites, an established colony can weaken beams, joists, and structural elements over time.
When are ants most active in NYC?
Ant activity peaks from May through September. However, in heated NYC buildings, pavement ants can remain active year-round. Carpenter ant swarmers typically emerge in spring, often the first sign of an established colony.
Why do ants keep coming back after spraying?
Sprays kill visible ants but do not reach the colony. The queen continues producing workers, and foraging trails simply reroute. Professional baiting eliminates the entire colony by targeting the queen through worker ant feeding behavior.
How long does ant treatment take to work?
Bait-based treatments typically show significant reduction within 1-2 weeks as the bait is carried throughout the colony. Complete elimination of large colonies may take 3-4 weeks. Follow-up monitoring confirms success.