Pour boiling water directly into ant trails and nests
Apply a commercial ant bait gel or ant bait stations along trails
Place bait stations where ants actively enter and exit (near cracks, baseboards, and entry points)
Use diatomaceous earth labeled for insect control in dry, crack-and-crevice areas
Seal entry points with caulk and repair gaps around doors, windows, and pipes
Clean up food and sugar sources; wipe surfaces with soap and water
Store food in sealed containers and take out trash regularly
Vacuum ant trails and dispose of the vacuum contents immediately
Spray ants with a ready-to-use insecticide labeled for ants, targeting trails and entry points
Use a vinegar-water solution to disrupt trails (follow up with sealing and baiting)
Remove outdoor attractants like spilled pet food and standing water
Trim vegetation away from buildings and reduce moisture near foundations
If the colony persists, contact a licensed pest control professional