Where Are Ants Commonly Found?

Ants primarily nest outdoors but will also nest indoors as well. Their favorite nesting sites vary with their species. Carpenter ants prefer to nest in open sunny areas like parks, yards, and golf courses. Odorous house ants prefer to nest in shallow soil beneath stones, boards, logs, mulch, and debris. Pavement ants' nest in the damp soil next to sidewalks, driveways, foundations, and spaces in masonry walls. As ants move around your yard searching for food and water sources or if the weather becomes too harsh, ants will move indoors through spaces they find in our home’s exterior. Once inside, they nest in wooden structures, walls voids, and insulation.

Ant Control Services on Long Island

Ant Protection That Stops the Problem at the Source

Servicing Nassau County | Western Suffolk County | Queens

Seeing ants in your kitchen, bathroom, or along baseboards usually means there’s a nest nearby — not just a few strays. Sprays may kill what you see, but they don’t solve why ants keep coming back.

At EM Pest Control, we take a prevention-first approach. Our technicians identify entry points, nesting areas, and attractants so ant activity is stopped at the source — not just temporarily masked.

✔ Targeted treatment
✔ Long-term prevention
✔ Local technicians who know Long Island homes

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Same Spot, Same Time

Ants showing up in the same area daily often indicates an established trail—not random activity.

Coming From Cracks or Gaps

Ants emerging from tiny openings near windows, doors, or baseboards usually means a nearby nest or entry point.

Food + Moisture Hotspots

Kitchens, pantries, sinks, pet bowls, and trash areas are common activity zones once ants find a reliable source.

Worse After Rain or Heat

Weather shifts can push ants indoors—often revealing colonies that were already established outside.

Carpenter Ant Warning Signs

Soft wood, debris near trim, or faint rustling inside walls can point to carpenter ants and moisture issues.

Carpenter Ants: A Structural Warning Sign

Carpenter ants excavate wood to build nests and are commonly tied to moisture issues in walls, window frames, and rooflines.

Why it matters: Killing visible ants won’t eliminate hidden satellite nests.

Odorous Ants: The Kitchen Invaders

Small ants often found near food and moisture. They form large colonies and quickly reroute when disturbed.

Why it matters: DIY sprays usually cause spreading, not control.

Pavement Ants: Hidden Below the Surface

These ants typically nest under concrete slabs, patios, and foundations, entering homes along baseboards.

Why it matters: Indoor treatment alone rarely reaches the nest.

Why Identification Changes the Treatment

Treating the wrong species can push colonies deeper or cause ants to relocate.

Next step: We identify the ant during your inspection and tailor the plan.

How We Handle Ant Problems

At EM Pest Control, we don’t rely on one-size-fits-all treatments. Ant problems behave differently depending on the species, the structure of the home, and what’s drawing them inside. That’s why every service starts with inspection and identification — not just spraying.

1. Inspection & Identification: We identify the ant species, nesting behavior, and entry points — including areas most homeowners miss.

2. Targeted Colony Treatment: Our treatments focus on colonies, trails, and problem zones rather than just the ants you see on the surface.

3. Entry Point & Attractant Control: We address the conditions drawing ants in — moisture issues, access points, and recurring food sources.

4. Prevention & Follow-Up: Recommendations and follow-up ensure activity doesn’t return weeks later.

This approach is designed to stop the cycle, not just knock it down temporarily.

Seal Entry Points

We often find ants entering through tiny cracks around doors, windows, siding, and foundations. Sealing these gaps helps limit access.

Reduce Moisture

Ants are drawn to water sources. Fix leaks, wipe down damp areas, and keep sinks, basements, and crawl spaces as dry as possible.

Limit Food Access

Clean up crumbs, store food in sealed containers, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Trash should be sealed and emptied regularly.

Keep Exterior Areas Clear

Trim back vegetation touching the home and avoid piling mulch, firewood, or debris directly against the foundation.

Avoid Overusing Sprays Indoors

Spraying visible ants can disrupt trails and cause colonies to spread, often making the problem worse.

We often see ant problems continue when sprays or baits are used without addressing nesting sites and entry points. DIY methods can help manage activity, but they don’t usually resolve the underlying cause on their own. If ants keep returning, a professional inspection is often the next step.

Schedule a Free Ant Inspection

This is a critical distinction for Long Island homeowners. Carpenter ants have a "pinched" waist and bent antennae, and they do not actually eat wood—they excavate it to build nests, leaving behind frass (sawdust-like debris). Termites have straight bodies and antennae, and they consume the wood entirely, often leaving behind mud tubes. For more information, read our blog: The Difference Between Flying Ants and Termite Swarmers

The cost of ant removal by a pest control company can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the infestation, the size of the property, and the specific methods used for treatment.

Ants primarily nest outdoors but will also nest indoors as well. Their favorite nesting sites vary with their species.

Carpenter ants prefer to nest in open sunny areas like parks, yards, and golf courses.
Odorous house ants prefer to nest in shallow soil beneath stones, boards, logs, mulch, and debris.
Pavement ants' nest in the damp soil next to sidewalks, driveways, foundations, and spaces in masonry walls.

As ants move around your yard searching for food and water sources or if the weather becomes too harsh, ants will move indoors through spaces they find in our home’s exterior. Once inside, they nest in wooden structures, walls voids, and insulation.

Yes. We use products applied in targeted areas and according to label guidelines. Our technicians explain what’s being used and where, so you know exactly what to expect.

Ants are frustrating and difficult to get rid of. The best way to eliminate ants from your home with the help of the pest professionals at EM Pest Control. We are a local pest control company committed to excellence and understanding the needs of home and business owners throughout Long Island and Queens, NY. We are committed to eliminating ants and other pesky pests and providing our customers with peace of mind.

In many cases, ant activity starts to decline within days. Complete control depends on the species involved, nesting locations, and how established the colony is. Some situations require follow-up to fully resolve the problem.

Your Trusted Pest Experts on Long Island

Your Local Ant Exterminators on Long Island

Ant Protection That Stops the Problem at the Source

Servicing Nassau County | Western Suffolk County | Queens