Professional Ant Control in Broward County

Ant infestations are a frequent concern across Broward County, thanks to the region’s tropical climate, high humidity, and consistently warm temperatures. From Fort Lauderdale to Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines, the area's dense suburban development, coastal wetlands, and manicured landscapes create perfect conditions for ants to thrive. During the hotter months, ants often make their way indoors in search of food, moisture, and shelter.

Abell Pest Control provides expert ant control services throughout Broward County. Our licensed technicians are local specialists who understand the unique pest pressures in South Florida. We start with a thorough inspection to locate entry points, nesting sites, and environmental factors contributing to the infestation. Then, we apply targeted, eco-friendly treatments designed to eliminate ants efficiently and help prevent them from returning.

Our team has extensive experience identifying and treating a wide range of ant species common to the region. We develop customized solutions based on each species’ specific behaviors, nesting habits, and preferred environments, ensuring fast, effective, and long-lasting results.

Common Ant Species and the Challenges They Present:

Fire Ants

Fire ants are an invasive pest species recognized for their aggressive nature and intensely painful stings. They frequently construct noticeable mounds in open areas such as lawns, parks, and near building foundations or walkways. These ants pose significant threats to both humans and pets, particularly when their nests are disturbed. Their colonies can expand quickly, so prompt identification and expert pest control are crucial to safeguard your property and loved ones.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are tiny, pale yellow ants with darker abdomens. They form massive colonies with multiple queens and reproduce by budding, which allows them to spread rapidly indoors. These ants thrive in warm, humid environments such as wall voids, kitchens, and bathrooms, and are especially difficult to eliminate. Common in apartments, hospitals, and restaurants, they contaminate food and surfaces and can carry bacteria like Salmonella and Staphylococcus, posing serious health risks.

Citronella Ant (Large Yellow Ant)

Known for its bright yellow to brownish hue, the citronella ant emits a citrus aroma when disturbed. It prefers moist areas, nesting under slabs, logs, or close to building foundations. Instead of scavenging for human food, it feeds on honeydew produced by subterranean insects and can become a nuisance during seasonal swarms.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter Ants are wood-nesting insects that often invade homes seeking damp, decaying timber. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, they hollow it out to create nests. These ants usually target high-moisture zones like basements, under bathtubs, or behind window frames and sills. They may enter through damaged wood, foundation cracks, or unsealed roof edges. Outside, they nest in logs or rotting trees; inside, they prefer wooden voids near water sources. Seeing these ants in your home, especially in the evening, may point to a hidden carpenter ant nest that needs prompt attention.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are among the most noticeable ant species in urban areas, often forming long trails that signal an active infestation. They nest under concrete surfaces like sidewalks and driveways and often enter buildings through cracks near doors and windows. While generally not harmful, they can bite or sting if they feel threatened.

European Fire Ants

If you’ve encountered ants with a fiery sting, you might be dealing with European fire ants. Known for their aggressive behavior, these pests favor cool, moist spots like lawns, shaded gardens, rotting wood, or beneath rocks. Their painful stings make enjoying outdoor spaces nearly impossible.

Big-Headed Ants

Recognizable by their disproportionately large heads, big-headed ants frequently build nests in soil close to man-made structures. Common nesting spots include under patios, foundations, fallen logs, and landscape debris. While they’re not known for damaging buildings, their sheer colony size can make infestations hard to manage. Normally found outdoors, these ants may enter homes during heatwaves, heavy rains, or other environmental shifts. They are prevalent in warm, humid regions across the globe.

Questions and Answers

What types of ants are commonly found in homes in Broward County?

Several ant species are known to invade homes and businesses in the Broward County area. The most common include:

• Carpenter ants - These large ants’ nest in damp or rotting wood and can cause significant structural damage if left untreated.
• Pavement ants - Frequently found nesting in cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and foundations.
• Pharaoh ants - Small, light-colored ants that reproduce quickly and are difficult to eliminate without professional help.

Correct species identification is essential to applying the most effective treatment and preventing future infestations.

Should I try DIY ant control or call a professional?

Over-the-counter ant sprays and bait traps may reduce visible activity, but they rarely eliminate the root of the problem. Ant colonies often nest behind walls, beneath floors, or outdoors in hard-to-reach areas. Without proper treatment, ants typically return.

Abell Pest Control offers professional ant extermination services throughout Broward County. Our licensed technicians are trained to identify the exact species, locate hidden nests, and use targeted treatments designed for long-lasting results in residential and commercial properties.

Whether you're facing a small ant problem or a larger infestation, our team provides fast, reliable service backed by decades of experience and a satisfaction guarantee.

Request an inspection or quote online today.

How dangerous are fire ant stings and what should I do if I get stung?

Fire ant stings can be painful and cause immediate burning, itching, and swelling. The sting site often develops into a small, itchy pustule that can last several days. For most people, fire ant stings are uncomfortable but not serious. However, some individuals may have allergic reactions, ranging from mild swelling to severe anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. If you get stung, clean the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and use over-the-counter antihistamines or topical creams to ease itching. Seek medical help right away if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat.

Preventing fire ant stings by avoiding nests and hiring professional pest control is the safest approach.

How do I know if I have an ant infestation?

Here are some common signs of an ant problem in your home:

• Trails of ants along walls, baseboards, or counters
• Small piles of sawdust, soil, or insect debris near entry points
• Winged ants inside your home, which may indicate a mature, active colony
• Ants repeatedly appearing in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements

If any of these signs are present, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection with Abell Pest Control in Broward County.

Which types of ants are most harmful?

• Carpenter ants are the most damaging, as they excavate wood to build their nests, weakening the structure of your home over time.
• Pharaoh ants are known to spread bacteria and are particularly problematic in healthcare or food-handling environments.
• Fire ants are aggressive and deliver painful stings that can cause allergic reactions in some people, making them a serious health risk.

Identifying the species helps determine the risk level and the urgency of treatment.

What can I do to prevent ants from getting into my home?

To reduce the risk of an ant infestation in your Broward County home:

• Keep all food sealed in airtight containers
• Wipe up crumbs, spills, and pet food immediately
• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations
• Repair leaky pipes and reduce indoor humidity, especially in basements and crawl spaces
• Trim shrubs and trees away from the house and store firewood off the ground and away from exterior walls

Regular pest control inspections can catch early signs of a problem before it grows.

What is the difference between carpenter ants and termites?

While both pests damage wood, they behave differently:

• Carpenter ants chew through wood to create tunnels and nesting sites but do not eat it
• Termites consume wood as their main food source and can cause extensive hidden damage
Carpenter ants are usually visible, while termite damage often goes unnoticed until it’s severe

A trained pest control expert can confirm the pest type and recommend the best course of action.

How much does ant control cost in Broward County?

The cost of professional ant control varies based on:

• The ant species involved
• The size and severity of the infestation
• The treatment method required

Abell Pest Control can typically provide a free estimate after a brief phone consultation or inspection.