Treat the Colony, Not Just the Trail
Ant Control Services in Lexington, KY
Ants are the number one pest complaint among Central Kentucky homeowners, and the ones you see on your countertop represent just a fraction of the colony living outside. A single odorous house ant colony can contain 10,000-100,000 workers. Getting ahead of an ant problem requires understanding the species and the colony, not just spraying what you see.
5.0 · 138 Google reviews · ACE-certified, colony-level ant control
Berner Pest Solutions provides targeted, ACE-certified ant control that eliminates colonies at the source. We identify the ant species, locate entry points and nesting sites, and apply treatments that work with ant biology, not against it.
Common Ants in Lexington & Central Kentucky
Odorous House Ants
The most common indoor ant in Kentucky. Forms massive colonies that split and relocate when disturbed. Named for the rotten coconut smell they emit when crushed.
Pavement Ants
Nest under slabs, sidewalks, and driveways. Commonly enter homes through foundation cracks in spring and summer.
Carpenter Ants
Kentucky’s largest ant species. Do not eat wood but excavate galleries in moist or damaged wood for nesting, causing structural damage over time.
Little Black Ants
Tiny, shiny black ants that nest in woodwork, masonry, and soil. Frequently found in kitchens.
Fire Ants
Present in some areas of Central Kentucky. Aggressive when disturbed and capable of delivering painful stings.
Acrobat Ants
Nest in decaying wood and foam insulation. Often a sign of moisture damage in walls or rooflines.
Not sure which ant species you are dealing with? Our ant identification guide covers the ants we see most in central Kentucky homes.
Our Ant Control Treatment Approach
Effective ant control is about eliminating the colony, not just the workers you're seeing inside. Our approach:
- ✓ Species identification: different ants require different treatment strategies; misidentification leads to ineffective treatment
- ✓ Exterior inspection: locating foraging trails, entry points, satellite nests, and conducive conditions (mulch lines, moisture, debris)
- ✓ Interior inspection: identifying trailing patterns to determine likely nesting locations
- ✓ Targeted baiting: using slow-acting bait that workers carry back to the queen, eliminating the colony from the inside
- ✓ Perimeter treatment: applying product along the foundation, entry points, and conducive harborage areas to prevent re-entry
- ✓ Exclusion recommendations: caulking, weatherstripping, and vegetation management advice to reduce future entry
Important note on DIY sprays: Repellent sprays are one of the most common reasons ant problems persist and worsen. When ants contact a repellent spray, the colony can "bud" (splitting into multiple satellite colonies), dramatically expanding the infestation. We use non-repellent products and baits that work with ant biology to eliminate the colony.
Why Choose Berner Pest Solutions for Ant Control?
- ✓ ACE-certified expertise: accurate species identification is the foundation of effective ant control
- ✓ Biology-based treatment: we use baits and non-repellent products that eliminate the colony, not just the visible workers
- ✓ No contracts required: one-time or ongoing quarterly service available
- ✓ Pet & family-friendly: targeted treatments that protect your household, not just your perimeter
- ✓ Satisfaction guarantee: if ants return between visits, we return too
Ant control is included in our quarterly pest plans; see pest control pricing for details.
What Neighbors Say About Our Ant Control
“We’ve been struggling with ants for years at our apartment complex. We have tried baiting, cleaning, sealing off entrances. Nothing worked. Berner comes in and finds the 2 colonies (plus some extra issues) and solves it in less than 30 minutes. Great, well informed guy, that actually cares about taking care of his customer’s problems. 11/10 recommend over big brands.”
“Berner is my go-to for pest services. Trent is an upstanding guy who is honest and thorough in his inspections. Best customer service. I called him about ants and he came right out to my home in Georgetown. He didn’t just set traps or spray the area I considered the problem, he did a thorough exterior inspection and explained to me how he found the several problem areas with ants. He even mentioned the mulch pattern and behaviors of the ants! This guy knows his stuff.”
Frequently Asked Questions: Ant Control
Why do I keep getting ants every spring?
Ant activity spikes in spring when colonies become active after winter dormancy and begin foraging. Pavement ants and odorous house ants are especially common in April-June. If you’re seeing seasonal ant invasions, a preventative treatment in early spring, before they become established indoors, is the most effective approach.
Why aren’t the sprays from the hardware store working?
Most over-the-counter products are repellent sprays that kill ants on contact but don’t reach the colony. Worse, these sprays can cause colony budding in species like odorous house ants, turning one colony into many. Professional treatment uses non-repellent products and baits that ants carry back to the queen, eliminating the source.
Can carpenter ants damage my home?
Yes. While carpenter ants don’t eat wood like termites do, they excavate large galleries in wood for nesting, preferring wood that is moist, decayed, or previously damaged. Over time this weakens structural members. If you’re finding large (1/4 to 1/2 inch) black or bi-colored ants, especially near windowsills, rooflines, or decks, contact us for an inspection.
How long does ant treatment take to work?
Bait-based treatments work over 1-2 weeks as workers carry product back to the colony. This slower kill is intentional: immediate colony death prevents workers from returning bait before it reaches the queen. Perimeter treatments provide faster knockdown of exterior populations. Most clients see significant improvement within 1-2 weeks.
Do I need to leave my home during ant treatment?
No. Our ant treatments are applied to targeted areas and do not require you to vacate your home. We’ll advise you on any specific precautions (such as keeping pets away from bait stations until dry) based on your treatment plan.
Worried about wood-destroying insects? Carpenter ants are often confused with termites. We identify and treat both. Berner Pest Solutions serves Lexington and surrounding communities, including Georgetown, Nicholasville, and Versailles. Request a free quote to get started.
Get Rid of Ants in Lexington, KY - Free Estimate
Berner Pest Solutions provides expert ant control throughout Lexington, Georgetown, Nicholasville, Versailles, Winchester, Richmond, and surrounding Central Kentucky communities. Stop the cycle of ant invasions. Contact us today.
Get a Free Ant Control Estimate
Tell us where you're seeing ants and we'll identify the species, treat the colony at its source, and help you keep them out for good. Quarterly plan rates are on our pricing page.