Top Mistakes Arizona Homeowners Make With DIY Ant Control
Ants are one of the most common pests plaguing Arizona homeowners. From kitchens and bathrooms to patios and garages, these tiny invaders can show up seemingly overnight. Once they’ve established a colony, they’re difficult to evict. It’s no surprise that many homeowners reach for quick, store-bought solutions to get rid of ants. But here’s the problem: most DIY methods don’t solve the root issue. In fact, they can make infestations worse.
At Varsity Pest and Termite Control, we’ve seen firsthand how improper ant control allows colonies to spread, driving homeowners to frustration. Let’s take a closer look at the most common DIY mistakes Arizona homeowners make, why they don’t work, and why professional treatment is the smarter, more effective solution.
Mistake #1: Only Treating the Ants You See
When you spot ants marching across your countertop, it’s tempting to spray them with over-the-counter ant killers. While this might eliminate the visible ants, it does nothing to address the source of the problem: the colony hidden behind walls, under floors, or outside in the yard.
Most ant colonies contain thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) of workers, along with multiple queens. Killing a handful of foragers won’t even make a dent. Worse, some sprays can cause colonies to “bud,” meaning they split into multiple colonies and spread throughout your home. Instead of one nest, you could end up with several.
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Baits
DIY baits are another popular option, but many homeowners don’t realize that not all ants eat the same thing. Arizona is home to multiple species—such as pavement ants, carpenter ants, and odorous house ants—each with different dietary preferences.
If you’re using a sugar-based bait on a protein-seeking species, the ants will ignore it completely. On the other hand, if you use bait that doesn’t target the specific colony, it might attract more ants without eliminating the nest. Choosing the wrong bait often wastes time, money, and effort while the infestation continues to grow.
Mistake #3: Overusing Chemical Sprays
Another common error is heavy reliance on chemical sprays from the hardware store. Homeowners often apply far too much product indoors, which doesn’t solve the infestation and may even create unnecessary health risks for pets and children.
Sprays rarely reach the hidden colony. Instead, they scatter ants in different directions, causing the problem to spread. Over-application of chemicals outdoors can also harm beneficial insects and contribute to environmental damage.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Entry Points
Ants don’t just appear out of nowhere, though it may seem like it. They find their way inside through tiny cracks, gaps, and unsealed openings around doors, windows, and foundations. A common mistake is treating the ants inside the home while ignoring how they’re getting in.
Without sealing entry points or addressing the outdoor nests, ants will continue to invade. It’s like mopping up water without turning off the faucet; you’ll never stay ahead of the problem.
Mistake #5: Treating Ants as a One-Time Problem
Many Arizona homeowners think of ants as a seasonal nuisance and treat infestations only when they appear. The truth is, ants are persistent and can return year after year if the root colony is left untreated.
DIY efforts that focus on short-term fixes fail to provide long-term protection. Ant colonies can live for years, and new queens ensure they keep reproducing. Without ongoing monitoring and prevention, infestations usually return, sometimes worse than before.
Why Professional Ant Control Works Better
The difference between DIY efforts and professional pest control comes down to precision, experience, and long-term strategy. At Varsity Pest and Termite Control, we don’t just treat the ants you see; we target the colony at its source.
Here’s how professional ant control provides better results:
Accurate identification: Different ant species require different treatment methods. Our trained technicians identify the exact species before creating a plan.
Targeted treatments: We use professional-grade products and strategies that eliminate the colony without scattering or spreading the problem.
Safety and effectiveness: Treatments are applied carefully to protect your family, pets, and environment while delivering maximum results.
Long-term prevention: We address entry points and provide tips to keep ants from coming back.
The Smarter Way to Get Rid of Ants in Arizona
DIY methods may seem appealing, but the truth is they often cost more in the long run. Wasted money on sprays and baits, repeated infestations, and the stress of battling ants month after month can add up quickly.
Professional ant control is the most reliable way to solve the problem once and for all. With Varsity Pest and Termite Control on your side, you’ll get a thorough inspection, customized treatment plan, and long-term peace of mind knowing your home is protected.
Don’t let ants take over your kitchen, bathrooms, or backyard this season. Trust the experts who know Arizona pests best.
Ready to stop wasting time and money on DIY mistakes?
Call Varsity Pest and Termite Control today to schedule professional ant control in Arizona and finally put an end to the infestation.
