If you’ve ever killed an ant in your home, you may have noticed more showing up soon after. This isn’t your imagination, and yes ants have unique communication methods that can draw more of their colony to the same spot.
Understanding why this happens can also help you know when DIY cleanup will work and when it’s time to call in professional ant exterminators.
Why Killing Ants Can Attract More
When an ant dies, it releases a chemical called oleic acid. Injured or crushed ants can also release alarm pheromones, which act as signals to nearby ants. Instead of deterring them, these pheromones may cause other ants to investigate the area. Depending on the colony’s needs, they may:
- Send workers to remove the dead ant
- Arrive in groups to defend the colony
- Scout the area for food sources or threats
This is why squashing a few ants doesn’t solve the problem, it may even make the activity appear worse for a while.
Why DIY Ant Control Often Falls Short
Killing the ants you see only addresses a small fraction of the problem. Most of the colony remains hidden in walls, floors, or outdoors, with thousands of workers and multiple queens. DIY sprays and traps can provide short-term relief but rarely eliminate the source.
Instead of chasing stragglers, the goal should be to target the entire colony. That requires professional-grade treatments designed to spread through the colony and stop the infestation at its root.
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How We Handle Ant Control
At Sorko Services, our ant exterminators use proven methods that go beyond surface-level control. With expert inspections and targeted treatments, we eliminate ants at the source and prevent them from returning. Whether you’re dealing with fire ants, carpenter ants, or common household invaders, our team delivers lasting solutions for Central Florida homes and businesses.
Prevent Ant Problems Before They Begin
If you’ve noticed ants reappearing after you kill them, it’s a sign the colony is active nearby. Don’t waste time on DIY methods that only make things worse. Sorko Services provides professional ant control designed to protect your property year-round.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and get rid of ants for good.
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