Say Goodbye to Ants for Good!
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Expert Ant Control in the Bay Area
ATCO eliminates ants at the source — guaranteed.
Common Bay Area Ants
Know your enemy. We handle them all.
Argentine Ants
Form massive super-colonies Hover to learn moreArgentine Ants
Argentine ants form interconnected super-colonies spanning miles. They outcompete native species and can quickly overwhelm a home. Very difficult to control without professional help.
Odorous Ants
Smell when crushed Hover to learn moreOdorous Ants
These small brown ants emit a rotten coconut smell when crushed. They love sweets and frequently invade kitchens seeking sugar and moisture.
Carpenter Ants
Destroy wood structures Hover to learn moreCarpenter Ants
Carpenter ants hollow out wood to build nests, weakening structural integrity. They prefer damp or decaying wood and can cause serious damage over time if untreated.
Pharaoh Ants
Rapid indoor reproduction Hover to learn morePharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants thrive indoors and reproduce extremely fast. They're notoriously hard to eliminate because colonies split when threatened (budding). Professional treatment is essential.
Pavement Ants
Sidewalk and driveway nesters Hover to learn morePavement Ants
Pavement ants nest in cracks in concrete, driveways, and foundations. They forage indoors for grease and sweets, forming visible trails. Common throughout the Bay Area.
Identify Your Pest
Argentine Ant
Odorous House Ant
Carpenter Ant
Pharaoh Ant
Pavement Ant
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This Is What's Happening Inside Your Walls
Watch how fast ants invade — then call us before they multiply.
Prepare for Your Appointment
Clear Counters of Food & Crumbs
Wipe down kitchen countertops and dining surfaces so your technician can spot ant trails and entry points.
Move Food Into Sealed Containers
Transfer open pantry items into airtight containers to remove the food sources attracting ants.
Pull Appliances Away From Walls
Move fridge, stove, and dishwasher a few inches out so your technician can inspect and treat behind them.
Trim Vegetation Touching the House
Cut back branches, shrubs, or vines contacting your exterior — ants use these as bridges into your home.
Note Where You've Seen Ant Trails
Jot down locations of ant activity — baseboards, windows, plumbing — to help your technician target treatment.
Secure Pet Food & Water Bowls
Pick up pet food dishes and water bowls before the appointment. Pet food attracts ants and can interfere with treatment.
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Did You Know?
Signs of an Ant Problem
Look for visible trails along baseboards, windowsills, and countertops. Small piles of dirt near walls or wood shavings under beams can signal nesting activity inside your home.
What Attracts Them
Food residue on counters, sugary spills, pet food left out, and excess moisture from leaky pipes are the top attractants. Even a tiny crumb trail can guide thousands of ants into your kitchen.
When It's More Than DIY
If the colony keeps returning after store-bought treatments, there are likely multiple nests or a hidden queen. Professional-grade solutions target the source, not just the visible workers.
Peak Season
Ants are most active from spring through fall when warmer temperatures drive foraging. However, indoor colonies can remain active year-round in heated homes, especially near kitchens and bathrooms.
Property Damage Risk
Carpenter ants hollow out wood to build nests, weakening structural beams, decks, and window frames over time. Unlike termites, they don't eat the wood — but the damage can be just as costly if left untreated.
Prevention Basics
Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations. Fix leaky faucets and pipes to eliminate moisture. Trim branches and vegetation touching your home — ants use these as bridges indoors.
What You Can Do
Keep Surfaces Clean
Wipe counters, sweep floors, and clean crumbs immediately. Removing food traces breaks their scent-trail cycle.
Store Food in Sealed Containers
Transfer sugar, cereals, and pet food into airtight containers. Even the smallest opening invites scout ants.
Trace & Seal Entry Points
Follow ant trails to where they enter your home. Seal cracks around windows, doors, and pipes with caulk.
Use Natural Deterrents
Vinegar, lemon juice, or peppermint oil along entry points can temporarily disrupt scent trails.
Wipe Surfaces with Soapy Water
Dish soap and water destroys chemical scent trails. Wipe counters, windowsills, and baseboards regularly.
Trim Trees & Shrubs Away from Walls
Vegetation touching your home acts as a bridge. Keep branches trimmed 12+ inches from exterior walls and rooflines.
What to Avoid
Don't Spray Visible Ants
Spraying kills a tiny fraction. The colony adapts and reroutes scouts, making the problem harder to track.
Don't Ignore Small Trails
A few ants are scouts. If they find food, they recruit thousands. A minor trail can become a full infestation in days.
Don't Rely on Store-Bought Baits Alone
Workers often die before reaching the nest, so bait never reaches the queen. The colony survives and keeps growing.
Don't Leave Pet Food Out Overnight
Pet food is a top ant attractant. Pick up bowls after feeding and store bags in sealed containers.