How to get rid
of ants.
How to get rid of ants in the house: identify the ant, find the trail, clean up food, use bait instead of spray and seal entry points. A guide for Toronto homes, apartments and condos.
The ants you see on a counter are a small part of the colony. Killing them with a spray does not reach the queen or the nest, so they keep coming back. The most effective approach is to take away what attracted them, use slow-acting bait that workers carry back to the colony, and close the gaps they use to get in.
How to Get Rid of Ants:
step by step.
1. Identify the ant
Small dark ants coming from cracks in floors or along the foundation are often pavement ants. Tiny yellowish ants in apartments and condos, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, are often pharaoh ants. Large black ants, especially with sawdust-like debris, are often carpenter ants. Each needs a different approach.
2. Follow the trail
Watch where the ants are coming from and going to. The trail shows you the entry point and where to put bait.
3. Remove food and clean the trail
Wipe up crumbs and sticky spills, store sugary and greasy food in sealed containers, rinse recycling and do not leave pet food out. Wash the trail with soapy water to remove the scent that guides other ants.
4. Use bait, not spray
Place ant bait stations or gel bait along the trail and leave the ants alone while they feed, so they carry it back to the nest. Do not spray near the bait. Use a product with a Pest Control Products (PCP) number and follow the label, keeping it away from children and pets.
5. Seal entry points
Once activity drops, caulk cracks and gaps around windows, doors, baseboards and pipes, and fix damaged weather stripping.
6. Deal with the outside
Keep mulch, firewood and plants a short distance away from the foundation, trim branches that touch the house, and fix moisture problems around the outside walls.
Mistakes
to avoid.
- Spraying ants on the trail, which kills only the workers you see.
- Spraying pharaoh ants, which can make the colony split into several new ones.
- Moving or cleaning bait stations too soon.
- Ignoring sawdust-like debris, which can mean carpenter ants nesting in wood.
When to call
a professional.
Our ant exterminator service in Toronto costs $175–$250 per visit (carpenter ants $350–$500), before HST. Quotes are free, and we are fully licensed and insured.
Call a professional if
- Ants keep coming back after a few weeks of baiting.
- You see large black ants indoors in late winter or spring, or sawdust-like debris.
- You have tiny yellowish ants in an apartment or condo.
- Ants are coming from inside walls or several rooms.
Common questions.
How long does it take for ant bait to work?
Usually several days to a couple of weeks, because workers need time to carry the bait back and share it with the colony. You may see more ants at first while they feed.
Why do ants come back every spring?
Colonies outside survive the winter and become active again as it warms up, looking for food. Sealing entry points and removing food sources makes your home less attractive.
Are ants in the house a sign of a dirty home?
No. Ants come inside looking for food and water, and even a clean kitchen has crumbs, moisture and sweet residue they can find.
Still seeing activity?
Tell us what you are seeing, where and for how long. We will confirm the price before any work starts.
Guidance based on Health Canada: ants. Updated October 10, 2026.