How to identify ants
- Argentine ant: tiny (⅛ inch), uniform light to dark brown
- Follow defined trails along baseboards, counters, and plumbing
- Odorless-house ant: similar size, gives off a rotten-coconut smell when crushed
- Carpenter ants are rare in the SFV but possible in older wooden structures
Signs of an infestation
- Trails of ants in kitchens, pet food bowls, or bathrooms
- Activity that spikes after watering or summer heat waves
- Ants appearing around windows, electrical outlets, or sinks
Why ants thrive in the SFV
Argentine ants thrive in the SFV's Mediterranean climate and irrigated landscapes. Connected super-colonies stretch across blocks of Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Studio City — which is why your neighbor's treatment doesn't help your kitchen.
The Evictr treatment process
- 1Inspection to map active trails and likely nesting zones
- 2Non-repellent perimeter treatment that ants carry back to the colony
- 3Targeted bait stations at trail-head locations
- 4Interior spot treatment only where necessary, never broadcast
- 5Follow-up to confirm colony collapse, not just trail disappearance
Prevention tips
- Wipe down counters and rinse dishes nightly
- Store sugar, honey, and pet food in sealed containers
- Fix leaky plumbing and outdoor hose bibs
- Trim plants and tree limbs touching the house — they're ant highways
- Caulk around windows and exterior penetrations
Frequently asked questions
Why does store-bought ant spray make it worse?
Repellent sprays kill the workers you see but signal the colony to bud — splitting into multiple satellite colonies that pop up in new rooms within days. Non-repellent professional products let ants carry the active ingredient back to the queen.
How long does ant treatment take to work?
Surface activity usually drops in 3–7 days. Full colony elimination takes 2–4 weeks. Argentine ant pressure from connected outdoor super-colonies often requires quarterly maintenance.
Do you treat carpenter ants?
Yes, though they're rare in the SFV. Carpenter ant treatment involves locating the nest in moisture-damaged wood, treating directly, and addressing the underlying moisture issue.
Ants control across the San Fernando Valley
Evictr provides ants treatment to homes and small commercial properties across the SFV, including: