How to Get Rid of Ants

Updated 2026-06-07

The most common ant mistake is spraying the trail. It kills the ants you can see and feels satisfying — but it can split the colony and make the problem worse. The fix that actually works is bait: worker ants carry it back and wipe out the nest you can’t see. Here’s how to do it properly, plus how to tell when you’re dealing with carpenter ants — a job for a pro.

1. Don’t spray the trail — use bait

Place ant bait stations right on the trails and near where ants enter. The workers feed on it, carry it back to the colony, and share it — killing the queen and nest over a few days. That’s the whole point: you’re using the ants’ own behavior against them.

Crucially, do NOT spray or wipe the trail while the bait is working — you want the ants to keep coming to feed. It’ll look worse for a day or two (more ants at the bait) before it gets dramatically better. Resist the urge to spray.

2. Find where they’re getting in

Follow the trail to its entry point — a gap around a window, door threshold, pipe or foundation crack. Sealing these with caulk cuts off the highway. Outside, look for the nest or the point where the trail disappears into the ground or wall.

3. Clean up trails and attractants

Once the bait has done its work, wipe down trails with soapy water or a vinegar-water mix to erase the scent pheromones that guide other ants. Keep counters crumb-free, store sweet and greasy foods sealed, fix drips and damp spots, and don’t leave pet food out — ants are after food and water.

4. Know your ant — carpenter ants are different

Large black ants, especially with piles of what looks like sawdust (frass) nearby, are likely carpenter ants. They don’t eat wood but tunnel into damp/damaged wood to nest and can cause structural damage over time. Carpenter ants and fire ants (painful stings, outdoor mounds) are best handled by a pro rather than a kitchen bait station.

5. Natural methods — what helps and what doesn’t

A vinegar-and-water spray is useful for erasing trails (not for killing the colony). Food-grade diatomaceous earth can help as a barrier in dry areas. Cinnamon, peppermint and citrus deter ants mildly but won’t eliminate a nest — treat them as supporting measures, not the main fix.

6. Prevent them coming back

Seal entry points, keep food sealed and surfaces clean, fix moisture problems, and trim plants and mulch back from the foundation so colonies aren’t nesting right against the house.

Dealing with a bigger pest problem than fruit flies? Get free quotes from licensed local pest pros — no obligation.

Frequently asked questions

How long does ant bait take to work?

You’ll usually see a big drop within a few days to a week. It works gradually because the workers have to carry the bait back and feed the colony — that slowness is why it kills the whole nest instead of just the visible ants.

Why are there MORE ants after I put out bait?

That’s normal and a good sign — the bait is attracting workers, who are recruiting others to feed and carry it home. Don’t spray them; let them keep feeding and the numbers will crash within days.

Does vinegar get rid of ants?

Vinegar erases the scent trail ants follow, which disrupts them and helps clean up — but it doesn’t kill the colony. Use it alongside bait, not instead of it.

Can I handle carpenter ants myself?

It’s risky. Carpenter ants nest in wood and can cause structural damage, and the nest is often hidden. Spotting frass (sawdust) or large black ants indoors is a good reason to get a professional inspection.