Are you seeing tiny "scouts" on your kitchen counters or a trail leading toward your pantry? You aren’t alone. Ant infestations are one of the most common calls we receive at Shaffer Pest Control, especially during the humid Ohio summers and the rainy spring season.

In Central Ohio, we primarily deal with Odorous House Ants (which smell like rotten coconuts when crushed) and the more destructive Carpenter Ants. Here is how you can reclaim your home.

1. Identify the Entry Points

Ants don’t need an open door; they can fit through the tiniest cracks in your foundation, gaps in window seals, or spaces under your door sweeps.

• Pro Tip: Walk around your home’s exterior and look for "ant highways" on the siding. Sealing these gaps with silicone caulk is your first line of defense.

2. Eliminate the "Buffet"

Ants are motivated by two things: food and water.

• Keep it Dry: Fix leaky faucets and ensure your gutters are draining away from the foundation.

• Clean Surfaces: Wipe down counters with a mixture of vinegar and water. This doesn't just clean; it destroys the pheromone trails ants use to lead their friends to food.

3. Why DIY Baits Often Fail

Many homeowners head to the store for "ant stakes" or sprays. While these might kill a few ants, they often cause a phenomenon called "budding." If the colony senses a threat from a harsh chemical, the queen may signal the colony to split into multiple new colonies, making your problem twice as bad.

4. The Shaffer Pest Control Difference

When DIY methods aren't enough, you need a professional solution that targets the heart of the colony. Our Central Ohio ant treatments focus on:

• Non-Repellent Liquid Barriers: We use professional-grade products that ants can't detect. They walk through it, carry it back to the queen, and eliminate the colony from the inside out.

• Precision Baiting: We place specialized gel baits in areas where pets and children can't reach, but ants can't resist.