We're Here to Assist You

Ants Control: A Recent Job & Some Homeowner Tips

Category: Holiday

Published: 01 May, 2026

By Jerry, Owner, Extermatrim Exterminating, Inc

What I Walked Into

May in Southwest Louisiana is when ant activity really starts picking up. Warmer temperatures and a little moisture are all it takes for them to start moving around homes.

A homeowner in Jennings reached out after noticing ants showing up around their kitchen sink and along the edge of the counter. At first, they wiped them away and didn’t think much of it. But by the next morning, the same line was back, following the exact same path.

When I arrived, the house was clean and well kept. That’s something I always mention—ant problems aren’t about how clean a home is. Ants are just good at finding small food and moisture sources.

As I walked through the kitchen, I could see a thin trail running from the back corner near the window, along the baseboard, and up onto the counter. That kind of consistent movement usually means the colony has already found a reliable path inside.

The Problem

I always tell homeowners that ants don’t just wander around randomly. Once they find food or water, they leave a trail so others can follow. That’s why you usually see a steady line instead of just a few here and there.

During the inspection, a few things stood out pretty quickly. There was a small amount of moisture under the sink from a light drip in the pipe, which can easily attract ants. Along the back edge of the counter, I noticed some tiny crumbs and a bit of residue near the coffee maker, just enough to keep them coming back.

There was also a small gap around the window frame that gave them a clear entry point from outside. When I checked the exterior, I saw mulch built up close to the siding, which tends to hold moisture and creates a good environment for ants, especially this time of year.

It wasn’t anything major, but it was enough to be frustrating. When ants keep showing up around food prep areas, it starts to feel like the problem isn’t going away.

The Process

When I handle ant issues, I focus on where they’re coming in, what’s attracting them, and how to deal with the colony.

First, I followed the trail to confirm the entry point. That small gap near the window frame was where they were getting inside, so I sealed it to stop further access.

Next, I went along the baseboards and areas where the ants were traveling. I also placed bait in key spots. The bait works by allowing ants to carry it back to the colony, which helps eliminate the source instead of just the ants you see.

Under the sink, I dried the area and talked with the homeowner about fixing the minor moisture issue. Even small amounts of moisture can keep ants coming back.

Outside, I treated the perimeter and pointed out how lowering the mulch level away from the siding could help reduce the conditions ants prefer.

Nothing complicated—just a combination of sealing, treating, and removing what was attracting them.

The Outcome

By the time I finished, the ant activity had already started to slow down. I explained that with baiting, they might still see some ants for a short time while it works through the colony, but it should drop off quickly.

A couple of days later, the homeowner reached out and said the trail was completely gone. No more ants along the counter or near the sink.

They mentioned the biggest difference was not having to constantly check the kitchen every time they walked in. Before, they were wiping the same area multiple times a day. After the treatment, things felt normal again.

Because they called early, the issue stayed contained. It didn’t spread to other parts of the house or turn into a larger problem.

DIY Advice I Shared

Before I left, I went over a few simple things they can do to help keep ants from coming back. None of it is complicated, but staying consistent with these habits really does make a difference.

I told them to wipe down counters daily, especially around coffee makers, sugar containers, and snack areas, since even small crumbs or residue can attract ants. It also helps to keep pantry items sealed so ants don’t have easy access to food, because open boxes or loosely closed bags are usually the first place they go.

Another thing I pointed out was fixing any moisture issues under sinks or around plumbing as soon as they show up. Even a small drip or damp area can keep ants coming back. I also recommended checking for small gaps around windows, doors, and other entry points and sealing them when possible, since ants don’t need much space to get inside.

Outside, I mentioned keeping mulch and soil from building up too close to the siding. Damp areas near the foundation make it easier for ants to settle in close to the house.

These are simple habits, but they go a long way, especially during spring and early summer in Southwest Louisiana.

"It's brighter than before!"

— Megan

Professional Insight

With ants, what you see is usually just a small part of what’s going on. A visible trail might look minor, but there’s often a larger colony behind it.

A lot of people try to handle it by spraying the ants they see. That can stop them for a short time, but if the entry point and colony aren’t addressed, they usually come back.

When I inspect a home, I’m looking at the full picture—where they’re getting in, what’s attracting them, and how established the activity is. It’s not about doing more work than needed. It’s about fixing the cause so the problem doesn’t keep repeating.

When those pieces are handled together, ant problems tend to stay under control.

Closing Thoughts

May is when ant season really gets going across Southwest Louisiana. It doesn’t take much for them to find their way inside once the weather warms up.

This job was a good reminder that catching the issue early makes things easier. A small trail today is much simpler to deal with than a larger problem later on.

If you’re in Southwest Louisiana and noticing ants around your home, it’s worth paying attention early. I’m always here to take a look and help when you need it.

– Jerry