Rio Linda's Colony-Elimination Ant Team

Spraying the trail kills foragers but leaves the queen untouched, and can cause the colony to split and relocate.

They're larger than most household ants, often black or black-and-red, and you may notice small wood shavings near baseboards.

Bait transfers through the colony over one to two weeks, so expect a gradual decline rather than an instant stop.

Yes — mounds often need direct treatment plus broadcast baiting, since a colony can have multiple mounds scattered widely.

Bait removes the existing colony, and ongoing perimeter service reduces the odds of a repeat. A recurring perimeter visit every season is usually enough to keep new colonies from establishing near the foundation.

Bait sits in enclosed stations or protected areas specifically to limit pet and child access. It also helps to keep mulch pulled back from the foundation a few inches, since that alone reduces bridge points significantly.