It’s a warm spring morning in Oregon, and as you sip your first cup of coffee, you spot an unwelcome sight along your baseboard – a line of ants steadily marching across the floor.
Sound familiar? If you’re a homeowner in areas like Salem, Portland, Vancouver, or Canby, ants can be a recurring headache, especially during the spring and early summer when infestations are at their peak.
At Natura Pest Control, we understand the frustration of dealing with these tiny invaders. That’s why we’re here to guide you on how to eliminate ants coming from baseboards while restoring peace to your home.
Why Are Ants Entering Your Home?
Ants are just like any other pest in that they’re constantly on the hunt for three things: food, water, and a safe place to nest.
While outdoor colonies might seem harmless, some ant species, like pavement ants, take a liking to plumbing voids, wall cracks, and behind baseboards when they’re foraging or swarming.
Some key facts about pavement ants in Oregon homes:
- They nest along foundation cracks, patios, and baseboards inside homes.
- They swarm in spring and summer, often during rainy months.
- Colonies can grow rapidly, with queens producing thousands of worker ants.
If left unchecked, these ants can contaminate food, damage plants, and become a year-round problem.
How to Get Rid of Ants Coming from Baseboards
You’re not alone in battling ants, but the solution involves more than just a quick spray. Follow these six effective steps to eliminate your ant problem and reclaim your home.
1. Locate Their Entry Points
First, identify where the ants are coming from. Use a flashlight to check along baseboards, wall gaps, and cracks near windows or doors. Look for trails that lead outdoors or into hidden indoor spaces.
2. Clean and Sanitize Target Areas
Next, clean up. Ants are attracted to food crumbs, sticky countertops, and even pet bowls. Thoroughly wipe down baseboards with a mixture of vinegar and water to break their scent trails.
Store all food in sealed containers, and sweep and mop floors daily, particularly near kitchens and dining areas. Don’t give ants any reason to stick around longer than necessary!
3. Use Ant Bait Strategically
Apply an ant bait specifically designed for household ants. Bait is more effective than sprays because it targets the colony by allowing worker ants to carry toxins back to the queen.
A few tips? Place baits near the trails you’ve identified and along baseboards. Also, avoid spraying insecticides around bait areas, as it may deter ants from taking the bait.
4. Seal Entry Points
In the future, you can minimize infestations by sealing gaps and cracks. Use caulk to cover up baseboard gaps, foundation cracks, and any areas near plumbing entry points
5. Treat Moisture Issues
Ants thrive in damp areas, so check spots prone to moisture such as beneath sinks, around windows, and near leaking pipes. If you spot any, fix these leaks immediately and use a dehumidifier in moisture-prone rooms.
6. Call Professional Pest Control
If the infestation continues or ants persist despite your efforts, it’s time to call Natura Pest Control. Our expert team specializes in eliminating ants coming from baseboards and hard-to-reach areas in homes across Oregon and Washington, from Lake Oswego to Woodburn.
Why Choose Natura Pest Control?
We’re a locally owned business serving communities like Salem, Gresham, and Tigard. With decades of experience handling Oregon’s unique pest problems, we provide expert pest identification tailored to your specific needs, along with eco-friendly treatment options for the maximum safety and environmental sustainability.
Perhaps most importantly, we offer fast and dependable service – even for the toughest infestations.
Don’t let ants take over your space. Contact Natura Pest Control today for reliable ant removal services in Salem, Portland, Vancouver, and beyond.
Your home is your haven—we’re here to keep it pest-free.
Did You Know?
Pavement ants, one of the most common indoor pests, were introduced to the U.S. around 200 years ago. Unlike other ants, they seek shelter indoors during spring rains and can swarm in large numbers if left untreated. These ants also pose a significant challenge to gardeners, occasionally causing harm to plants or uprooting garden soil.
FAQ
Why do ants like baseboards?
Ants use baseboards as a sheltered entry point to access food and moisture indoors. They often nest nearby in wall voids, cracks, or damp areas.
Are pavement ants hard to get rid of?
Pavement ants can be persistent due to their large colonies and ability to nest in hidden spaces. Proper identification, baiting, and sealing are key to effective control.
How long does it take to eliminate an ant infestation?
Depending on the severity and treatment approach, it may take 1-2 weeks to eliminate visible ants and up to a month to wipe out the colony completely.
Can DIY methods work against ants?
While DIY steps help reduce activity, professional pest control is often more effective in eliminating colonies and preventing future problems.
How do I prevent ants from coming back?
Keep baseboards sealed, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and fix moisture issues to reduce attractants. Regular professional inspections further ensure long-term control.