Ant control in Canoga Park
If you've wiped up a long line of tiny brown ants only to see it return an hour later, you've met the Argentine ant, Southern California's most common household ant.
Why ants keep coming back
The Argentine ant forms enormous, interconnected colonies with many queens spread across yards and neighborhoods. Spraying the trail you can see kills foragers but leaves the colony untouched, which is why the line reappears. Ants move indoors most during heat waves and right after rain, when outdoor conditions push them to look for water and shelter.
Other ants you may see: odorous house ants (smell like coconut when crushed), pavement ants, and occasionally carpenter ants in damp wood.
What works
- Baits that foragers carry back to the colony, placed along trails and outdoors near nests
- Perimeter treatments around the foundation, applied in a way that limits runoff (California regulates outdoor pesticide applications to protect waterways)
- Removing attractants: wiping crumbs and sugary spills, fixing leaks, sealing food
- Trimming plants that touch the house, since branches act as ant bridges
A tip while you wait
Wipe trails with soapy water instead of spraying them with a repellent; repellent sprays can make baits less effective by scattering the ants.
Many West Valley homeowners use a recurring (often quarterly) service for ants because colonies re-invade from neighboring yards. Ask about what's included and how to cancel.
Related services
Rodent control
Roof rats, Norway rats and mice in attics, walls and garages.
Termite inspection & treatment
Drywood and subterranean termites, inspections, fumigation and local treatment.
Bed bug treatment
Inspection and heat or chemical treatment for homes and apartments.
Areas
Woodland Hills
Hillside homes south of Ventura Blvd and the Warner Center area.
West Hills
Single-family neighborhoods along the Simi Hills open space.
Winnetka
Flat, grid-pattern neighborhoods of mid-century homes and apartments.
Chatsworth
Foothill and horse properties near the Santa Susana Mountains.
Reseda
Classic 1950s ranch homes and apartments near Lake Balboa.
Tarzana
Hillside and flatland homes with mature trees south of the 101.