San Francisco's Colony-Elimination Ant Team

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

Look for bigger ants and fine wood-shaving debris — a byproduct of their excavation.

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

We typically combine spot mound treatment with a wider bait application.

Bait removes the existing colony, and ongoing perimeter service reduces the odds of a repeat. Seasonal exterior treatment is the most reliable way to prevent a fresh colony from moving in after the current one clears.

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.