Tuesday, July 14, 2026

QOTM: Best ant management practices our experts have learned

What’s the best ant management lesson you’ve learned?

Dan Baldwin

Dan Baldwin, MPH, BCE, REHS/RS, FRSPH, Hawx Pest Control

“Most of the ants we deal with have subterranean nests and can travel long distances from their nests. Because they also are influenced by temperature and other environmental factors, never assume that just because you don’t find ants during the inspection, they’re not there. Targeted baiting in likely nesting areas or in areas where ants may have been observed in the past, for example, is a prudent practice.”

Foster Brusca

Foster Brusca, The Pest Posse

“Return to the absolute basics of pest control: You must seek out the source. When I deal with an ant infestation, I know success relies on looking beyond the inside of the structure. You must inspect the outside to locate the actual colony or trailing paths. I always ask myself, ‘Why are the ants trailing to this area?’ and ‘Where are the entry points?’ Managing ants effectively isn’t about quick treatment; it’s about finding the root cause both inside and out.”

Doug Foster

Doug Foster, Burt’s Termite & Pest Control

Meticulous attention to detail is the best lesson I have learned to help curb retreatments and profit-killing return visits. Did you inspect and treat both the interior and exterior? Did you get into the crawlspace? Did you use multiple baits? Of course, a checklist and standard operating procedures (SOPs) serve as a great guide for both new and seasoned technicians.”

Dr. Hamilton Allen

Dr. Hamilton Allen, BCE, Fox Pest Control

“Ants can have discerning palates. A bait product working today may not work tomorrow. Many service professionals have their go-to ant bait. However, ant feeding preferences may change with the season, so it’s best to carry a few different products with you just in case the ‘preferred flavor of the month’ has changed.”

Michael Broder

Michael Broder, BHB Pest Elimination

“Get a positive ID on the exact species you are treating. While many ants look alike, treatment protocols can vary greatly depending on the specific species.”

Dr. Mohammed El Damir

Dr. Mohammed El Damir, BCE, Adam’s Pest Control

“Success depends on colony elimination and correcting underlying conditions, rather than immediate kill counts. For example, seeing dead carpenter ants can provide a false sense of control if the queen remains or if moisture issues and satellite colonies aren’t addressed. I also remind clients that baiting may temporarily increase visible activity. Ultimately, effective control requires understanding biology, performing thorough inspections, and setting realistic expectations.”

Eric Scherzinger

Eric Scherzinger, Scherzinger Pest Control

“Make sure you identify what type of ant you are dealing with correctly, or you can turn an ant problem into a really bad ant problem.”

<p>The post QOTM: Best ant management practices our experts have learned first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>



from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/qotm-best-ant-management-practices-our-experts-have-learned/
Sacramento CA

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