Ant Pest Control in San DIego

It is an uneasy feeling we get when we see these tiny invaders in our homes and businesses. Ants are everywhere, and in Southern California, they can quickly become more than just a nuisance.  Learn more about Ant Control and how Cartwright Termite & Pest Control helps protect your property.

From spilled soda to pet food, ants are relentless. They swarm anything sweet, invade cupboards, crawl across countertops, and even sneak into laundry. Pet owners know the heartbreak of seeing their furry friends, like little Whiskers, watching helplessly as ants overrun their food bowls.

But ants are not picky. They adapt to nearly every environment, thriving across all longitudes, latitudes, altitudes, and climates. They are especially comfortable in the sunny weather of San Diego, Palm Desert, and Riverside County, where their activity peaks year-round.

At Cartwright Termite & Pest Control, we provide comprehensive ant control services that tackle infestations at the source, protect your property, and give you peace of mind.

How Cartwright Termite & Pest Control Protects Your Property

Our ant control process begins with a thorough inspection. Our trained technicians identify the species present, locate nests, and determine the severity of the infestation. Understanding the type of ant is essential because treatment varies depending on species and behavior.

Once the inspection is complete, we design a customized treatment plan for your home or business. We focus on safe, effective methods that minimize exposure to pets and children while targeting ants where they live and travel.

Exterior treatments create a barrier around your property to prevent ants from entering. We use advanced, minimally invasive products, including those with active ingredients like fipronil, the same ingredient found in many veterinary flea treatments.

Interior treatments involve carefully applying dust formulations inside wall voids, outlet boxes, and switch plates, which keeps ants away from living spaces while eliminating colonies at their source. This two-pronged approach ensures that the infestation is addressed both inside and out.

Common Ant Species in Southern California

Southern California hosts a variety of ant species, each with unique behaviors and challenges. Understanding the species is key to effective control.

Carpenter Ants (Camponotus modoc)
Despite their name, carpenter ants are not here to help with home remodeling—they destroy wood instead. These ants tunnel into wooden beams, leaving behind sawdust and sometimes even rustling sounds behind walls. Carpenter ants can cause serious structural damage, making professional inspection essential. A licensed termite inspector can assess the infestation and recommend targeted treatments.

Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile)
Small but mighty, Argentine ants are among the most common invaders of homes and workplaces. Measuring only about a sixteenth of an inch, they vary from light to dark brown. Originally from South America, they arrived in California in the late 19th century and quickly displaced the local odorous house ants. Argentine ants love moisture, making sinks, bathrooms, potted plants, and irrigation systems prime targets. They are also attracted to sweet foods like sugar, honey, and syrup, though they rarely bite or sting.

Fire Ants (Solenopsis spp.)
Fire ants may be less common than Argentine ants, but their bite is painful—often worse than a bee sting. While California’s native fire ants reproduce slowly and remain mostly in inland colonies, the invasive Red Imported Fire Ant has recently appeared near Southern California. These aggressive ants pose a greater threat, making early detection and treatment essential.

Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile)
Once common in Southern California, odorous house ants are now mostly displaced by Argentine ants. Named for the foul smell they emit when crushed, these ants are slightly larger than Argentine ants. They do not bite or sting, which may have contributed to their decline, but they remain an occasional household pest.

Why Choose Cartwright Termite & Pest Control

At Cartwright Termite & Pest Control, we combine decades of experience with a commitment to safe, effective pest management. Our ant control services are designed to:

• Identify the species causing the problem
• Target infestations at their source
• Protect your property from future invasions
• Ensure treatments are safe for children, pets, and the environment

We understand that ants are not just an inconvenience—they can damage structures, contaminate food, and disrupt daily life. Our comprehensive approach addresses both immediate infestations and long-term prevention.

Take Action Against Ants Today

Do not let ants take over your home or business. Contact Cartwright Termite & Pest Control today to schedule a professional ant inspection and treatment plan. Our expert team will assess your property, identify the species causing the problem, and implement a solution that keeps ants out for good.

Protect your property, your family, and your peace of mind with Cartwright Termite & Pest Control—the trusted name in Southern California for ant control in San Diego, Palm Desert and Riverside.