Is it worth getting an exterminator for ants?

Author: Charley Terry  |  Last update: Saturday, July 4, 2026

While it may cost more to hire an exterminator than trying to treat the problem yourself, a professional is worth hiring if you have a major infestation. If the problem is severe and the ants are causing damage to your home, then DIY methods may not be as effective as a professional treatment.

Will an exterminator get rid of ants?

Calling a pest control professional is the best way to get rid of small black ants invading your home. A pest management professional can thoroughly inspect your home to find out where the ants are coming from and how they're entering your home.

Are ant exterminators effective?

Sprays are a powerful tool in the hands of ant control exterminators. They can be used to bolster vulnerable areas and reduce pest populations around the perimeter of a structure.

How do you know if you need an exterminator for ants?

These are signs you need professional help: Ants are present in large numbers, both inside and outside your home. You have tried DIY methods to control the ants, but they keep returning. You are dealing with a species of ant known to be difficult to control, such as carpenter ants or fire ants.

How long does it take to stop seeing ants after an exterminator?

Still Seeing Ants after Treatment? Don't Panic! From the first few days to the first couple of weeks, you can also expect to see a great many more ants than you are used to seeing because the treatment has flushed them from their hiding areas and their trails.

Is it worth getting an exterminator for ants?

Do ants come back after extermination?

It's common to continue to see ants up to 3-4 weeks after treatment. Pesticides used for ants are designed to be returned to the nest, therefor removing the problem at its core.

Can I sleep in my house after pest control?

The products can target and eliminate pest infestations without putting your family or pets at risk. This means that in most cases, you can sleep and reside in your home during and immediately after the treatments.

How much does it cost to get rid of an ant infestation?

Hiring an ant exterminator costs $150 on average, but you can expect to pay between $80 and $500, depending on the type of ant and infestation size. If you spy streams of these creatures crawling inside your home, consider hiring an exterminator to get rid of the ants.

Is it worth hiring an exterminator for ants?

While it may cost more to hire an exterminator than trying to treat the problem yourself, a professional is worth hiring if you have a major infestation. If the problem is severe and the ants are causing damage to your home, then DIY methods may not be as effective as a professional treatment.

What do professionals use to get rid of ants?

Baits. Pest control professionals use gel baits for ants.

Is it worth spraying for ants?

Ant killer sprays kill on contact, but only about 20 percent of an ant colony will venture outside. This leaves the vast majority of the colony intact. This means more frequent re-treatment will be needed to fully eliminate an ant problem. A better spray option is a non-repellent spray formulated for outdoor use.

Is it worth calling an exterminator?

When you're dealing with a pest problem, it's essential to call an exterminator. These pest control professionals have the skills and knowledge to identify the exact pest you're dealing with, ensuring they use the most effective treatment strategy.

How do I prepare for an ant exterminator?

Prep Instructions (General Pests)
  1. Clean clutter/items from baseboard areas, including under beds and inside the closets.
  2. Mop all floors and baseboards (Ants & Roaches only)
  3. Put ALL baby items in a toy box or crib and cover with blankets and/or plastic (if applicable)
  4. Empty ALL kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers.

When to call exterminator ants?

If there's sawdust along your window sills, doors, or any other wooden surfaces, it's time to call an exterminator quickly. The longer you wait, the more difficult and expensive it is to handle an ant invasion.

What is the best company to get rid of ants?

Top 10 Best Ant Control Near Los Angeles, California
  • 360 Rodent Control. ...
  • Fenn Termite & Pest Control. ...
  • Earth First Pest Control. ...
  • Premium Termite & Pest Control. ...
  • Pasadena Pest Control. ...
  • Get Ur Done Termite & Pest Control. 4.7 (203 reviews) ...
  • Nykor Pest Services. 4.9 (186 reviews) ...
  • Primate Pest Elimination. 4.8 (505 reviews)

How long does it take for ants to go away after exterminator?

To kill an entire ant colony takes around 2-3 weeks. The reason we need prolonged mortality of 2-3 weeks is to allow enough time for the product to pass around the entire colony. After the initial treatment, you should start to see fewer ants within a few days as the colony starts to die off.

Is paying for pest control worth it?

Engaging a professional pest control service may come with a higher upfront cost, but it's an investment that can pay dividends in the long run. These experts can access highly effective tools and treatments and are able to conduct an in-depth assessment of your unique pest problem.

How bad is an ant infestation?

They can be a nuisance and a health hazard, and very difficult to get rid of. Ants are attracted to food, shelter, and moisture on your property. They can enter through even the smallest cracks or holes. Once inside, they quickly spread and multiply.

Will ants in house eventually go away?

Unfortunately, it's very unlikely that ants will go away on their own.

What's the difference between black ants and carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants are large and can damage wood, while black ants are smaller and less destructive. Black ants adapt to various environments, unlike carpenter ants that prefer moist wooded areas. Effective ant management requires distinguishing between these two common types of ants.

Do I need an exterminator to get rid of ants?

In order to have a truly effective treatment, you need to bring in the pros. Home remedies may help to a limited extent, but when you contact Big Time Pest Control, we can provide the ant treatments that not only kill the ants you see, it takes care of the ones you don't see as well.

Do I need to wash everything after pest control?

A: Yes, it's ok to clean after pest control once the application is dry and the technician has let you know the timeframe that is ok to clean.

Do exterminators spray inside cabinets?

Pest control professionals will spray along baseboards, worktops, under sinks, and inside cabinets to eliminate existing pests and prevent new infestations.

Do pest control companies really work?

Professionals have the training and experience to hone in on your pest problem. Most pest control companies can eliminate all sorts of different types of pests, from rodents to spiders and grass bugs. If it makes you say "nope," these pros know how to deal with it.

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