Arkansas summers are known for heat, humidity, and ants. Once temperatures rise, these tiny invaders come marching in full force. For homeowners, few things are more frustrating than discovering long trails of ants in the kitchen, bathroom, or along baseboards. And while ants may seem like a small problem at first, ignoring them can lead to larger colonies and persistent infestations.
That’s where proactive ant control makes all the difference. At Hopper Termite and Pest Control, we’ve seen firsthand how fast ants can overrun a home. Here’s how to protect your property before they take over this summer.
Why Ants Invade in the Summer
Ants are constantly on the hunt for food, water, and shelter; three things that become harder to find outside when summer heat peaks. Inside your home, though, it’s a different story.
Most Common Reasons for Ant Activity:
- Food crumbs or spills left in the kitchen
- Open garbage bins or pet food bowls
- Leaky faucets or pipes creating moisture
- Gaps in windows, doors, or foundations
Once a worker ant finds a source of food or water, it leaves behind a scent trail to guide the rest of the colony. Without immediate ant control, the problem can go from a few scouts to a full-blown infestation in just days.
Types of Ants Found in Arkansas
Different ants require different strategies. Not all species behave the same or nest in the same places, which is why effective ant control starts with proper identification.
Some of the Most Common Ants We Treat:
- Odorous house ants: Known for the foul smell they emit when crushed.
- Carpenter ants: Large, wood-damaging ants that can weaken structural beams.
- Pavement ants: Nest in cracks in driveways and patios, often entering homes in search of food.
- Fire ants: Aggressive and known for their painful stings, typically nesting outdoors in large mounds.
Understanding the species you’re dealing with helps determine the right treatment, not just to kill what’s visible, but to eliminate the colony.
DIY Ant Control: What Works and What Doesn’t
Many homeowners try store-bought sprays and traps, but these options rarely solve the root of the problem. Surface-level treatments only kill the ants you can see. The colony, often located behind walls, under floors, or outdoors, remains untouched.
DIY Mistakes That Can Make Things Worse:
- Using repellent sprays that cause ants to scatter and split into multiple colonies
- Applying bait incorrectly or inconsistently
- Failing to locate or destroy the queen, who continuously produces more ants
This is why professional ant control is more reliable. Experts don’t just treat the symptoms, they eliminate the source. We cover why DIY Pest Control can do more harm than good in this blog.
Preventing Ant Infestations Before They Start
While no home is completely ant-proof, there are steps you can take to make it much harder for ants to move in.
Prevention Tips Every Homeowner Should Know:
- Keep kitchen counters, floors, and sinks clean and dry
- Store food in airtight containers, especially sugary snacks and pet food
- Take out the trash regularly and keep bins sealed
- Repair leaky plumbing and seal cracks or crevices around your home
- Trim trees and shrubs away from exterior walls to prevent ants from using branches as bridges
When paired with routine professional treatments, these habits can significantly reduce the risk of infestation, and keep ants outside where they belong.
What to Expect from Professional Ant Control
At Hopper Termite and Pest Control, our approach to ant control is designed to eliminate infestations quickly and prevent future issues. We start with a full inspection to identify where ants are entering, nesting, and feeding. From there, we create a targeted treatment plan based on the specific ant species and conditions around your home.
Our Services Include:
- Safe and effective baiting systems
- Non-repellent sprays to treat entry points and nesting areas
- Barrier treatments to stop ants before they get inside
- Ongoing maintenance plans for long-term protection
The goal is not just short-term relief, but total ant elimination.
Don’t Wait for Ants to Take Over
Ants may be small, but the problems they cause can quickly become overwhelming. Whether they’re swarming your countertops or damaging your home’s structure, fast and consistent ant control is the only way to stop them for good.
If you’ve noticed signs of an infestation or simply want to be proactive before summer kicks into high gear, Hopper Termite and Pest Control is here to help. We’ve been trusted by Arkansas homeowners for decades to provide thorough, dependable pest solutions backed by experience and results.
Call our Springdale office at (479) 750-4070 or our Mountain Home office at (870) 425-4122 to schedule your inspection. Let us keep your summer pest-free with proven ant control that works.
