Preparation — Ants (Pavement and Field)
For ants, preparation is counter-intuitive: you must not erase the trails. They lead the technician straight to the nest.
Preparation Steps
- 1
Do NOT clean the ant trails before the visit. These pheromone-marked paths show the technician the direction of the nest and guide correct bait placement.
- 2
Note where and at what time you see the ants, and the point where they seem to enter (crack, baseboard, window frame, pipe penetration).
- 3
Clean food sources elsewhere in the house: crumbs, sugary and sticky residue on counters, in cabinets and under appliances.
- 4
Store sugar, honey, syrup, cereal and pet food in airtight containers. Don't leave a full pet bowl out all day.
- 5
Empty and wash garbage and recycling bins, then take them out. Sugary residue is the number one indoor ant attractant.
- 6
Clear access along baseboards, under the sink, behind appliances and around door and window frames where ants travel.
- 7
Repair leaks and dry damp areas (under the sink, bathroom, basement). Ants seek water as much as sugar.
- 8
Outdoors, move mulch, firewood, flower pots and plant debris at least 30 cm away from the foundation.
Pro Tips
- Follow the trail with your eyes to its entry point and note it: it's the single most useful piece of information you can give the technician.
- Take a photo or short video of the most active trail — it helps identify the species, which determines the type of bait used.
- If ants appear in several unrelated places, mention it: this can indicate multiple colonies or a nest inside the structure.
- Pavement ants often enter through slab and sidewalk cracks: check the joints of the garage, patio and steps.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Do NOT spray aerosol insecticide on the trails. You kill a few visible workers without reaching the colony, and many species respond by splitting into several satellite nests — the problem gets worse.
- Do NOT erase the trails with vinegar or bleach before the visit: the technician loses the information leading to the nest and the baits become less attractive.
- Do NOT place your own baits right before the intervention: they compete with the professional gel and delay elimination of the colony.
After Treatment
- 1Do not clean the areas where bait gel was placed, and do not spray any product on them for at least 2 weeks.
- 2It is normal — and a good sign — to see more ants for 3 to 7 days: they gather on the bait and carry it back to the colony.
- 3Keep the kitchen clean and food in airtight containers: this is what prevents a new colony from settling in.
- 4If activity persists beyond 3 weeks, contact us: it may be a second colony or a species requiring a different bait.
Day-by-day timeline, what's normal to see, what not to clean and when to call us back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn't I clean ant trails before treatment?
Is it normal to see more ants after treatment?
What's the difference from a carpenter ant treatment?
Need help with preparation?
Our team is available to answer all your questions and guide you through your treatment preparation.