Trent Woods, NC's Colony-Elimination Ant Specialists

Contact spray disrupts foraging trails temporarily but doesn't reach the nest, so the colony typically survives and can spread.

Carpenter ants are larger than most household ants, often black or black-and-red, and you may notice small piles of wood shavings (frass) near baseboards or window sills.

Bait is designed to transfer through the colony over 1-2 weeks, so expect a gradual decline in trail activity rather than an instant stop.

Fire ant colonies can have multiple mounds, so we typically combine spot mound treatment with a wider bait application.

Bait treatment removes the existing colony, and ongoing perimeter service reduces the odds of a new one moving in.

We place bait in enclosed stations or protected areas specifically to limit pet and child access. It also helps to keep mulch beds pulled back a few inches from the foundation, since that gap alone reduces ant bridge points significantly.