Professional Ant Control Services in Dayton

Ant infestations are a common issue for homeowners and businesses in Dayton, Ohio. The city's mix of older homes, modern developments, and changing seasonal weather creates the ideal environment for ants to thrive. As spring and summer bring warmer temperatures and increased humidity, ants often make their way indoors in search of food, water, and shelter.

Abell Pest Control provides expert ant control services across Dayton and surrounding areas. Our licensed technicians conduct detailed inspections to locate entry points and nesting sites. Once the source of the problem is identified, we apply targeted treatments to remove the infestation and stop ants from coming back.

Each type of ant requires a different approach for effective removal. Our Dayton pest control team is trained to identify the species and implement customized solutions based on the behavior and nesting habits of the ants involved.

Pharaoh Ants

These tiny, pale-yellow ants are a persistent indoor pest. Known as Pharaoh ants, they reproduce rapidly and form colonies with multiple queens. When disturbed, they break into smaller colonies and spread through buildings. They prefer warm, humid spots like kitchens, bathrooms, and inside walls. Especially common in hospitals, apartments, and restaurants, they contaminate food and can carry harmful bacteria to sterile areas.

Citronella Ants (Large Yellow Ant)

The larger yellow ant, better known as the citronella ant, builds nests under logs, stones, or next to foundations. They are drawn indoors during mating swarms, attracted to damp spaces. Feeding primarily on honeydew from root-feeding insects, they can be a frustrating yet harmless household visitor.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter Ants are a serious nuisance that can quietly damage your home. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood but remove it to create intricate nesting tunnels. They thrive in areas with excess moisture—such as basements, attic beams, and around leaking windows. These ants enter homes through damaged wood, cracks near doors, or small gaps in exterior walls. Once inside, they can build nests in wooden doors, behind drywall, or near plumbing. Signs of carpenter ants include rustling sounds in walls, small piles of sawdust, and nighttime sightings of large, black ants.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are small, dark brown insects commonly found nesting beneath sidewalks, driveways, and foundation slabs. They often enter homes through small cracks around doors, windows, and sliding door tracks. While they’re not considered dangerous, they can bite or sting if disturbed. Long, visible trails of ants are often the first sign of an infestation, making pavement ants a frequent nuisance in urban environments.

Big-Headed Ants

With their trademark large heads, big-headed ants commonly inhabit soil around buildings, choosing areas like under stones, old wood, and foundations to build nests. These ants are not structurally harmful, but their large colonies can be challenging to eliminate and may recur. While typically outdoor pests, weather-related stress can cause them to invade homes. They are most often found in subtropical regions around the world.

Ant infestations are a frequent problem in Dayton, especially during the hot and humid months when ants move indoors in search of food and water. Whether you live in the city center, a suburban community, or near natural green spaces, these practical prevention tips can help protect your home from ants:

• Properly store food. Keep all pantry items in airtight containers and clean up spills, crumbs, and pet food right away. Regularly wipe down countertops and sweep floors to remove potential food sources.
• Seal potential entry points. Check doors, windows, and your foundation for cracks or gaps. Sealing these openings helps prevent ants from gaining access inside your home.
• Address moisture problems. Leaky faucets, pipes, or roofing can create damp conditions that attract carpenter ants. Lower humidity levels indoors, especially in kitchens and basements.
• Maintain your outdoor spaces. Trim back trees and bushes that touch your house. Clear away leaf litter and avoid stacking firewood next to your foundation since these spots are common nesting areas for ants.
• Keep garbage areas tidy. Use bins with tight-fitting lids, empty them regularly, and clean them to remove food residues and odors that attract ants.
• Arrange routine pest inspections. Abell Pest Control offers pest prevention services in Dayton. Scheduling regular inspections helps detect early ant activity and prevents infestations before they start.

Questions and Answers

What types of ants are commonly found in homes in Dayton?

Several ant species are known to invade homes and businesses in the Dayton 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.

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.

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

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 Dayton.

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.

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

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 Dayton?

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.