Ants in Walls: How to Control Infestations in Rialto & Fontana Homes
- Sep 20
- 3 min read
If you’re hearing faint scratching sounds inside your walls or noticing long lines of ants trailing in and out of your kitchen, chances are you’re dealing with ants in the walls. Here in Rialto and Fontana, two of the most common culprits are Argentine ants and odorous house ants. Both species are masters at setting up hidden colonies indoors, and once they’re inside your walls, they can be tough to control without a professional approach.
In this post, we’ll break down the types of ants found in walls around Rialto and Fontana, explain why they move inside, and share the best pest control tactics—including ant baits, integrated pest management (IPM), and prevention strategies—to help you keep your home ant-free.
Argentine Ants in Rialto & Fontana
Argentine ants are the number one ant problem for Southern California homeowners. These small, dark brown ants form massive colonies—sometimes called super colonies—that can contain millions of workers. They love moisture and sweet foods, which is why you often find them near kitchens, bathrooms, and plumbing lines.
Once Argentine ants establish trails inside your walls, they can spread quickly to multiple rooms. Because their colonies are so large, killing just a few ants won’t solve the problem.
Odorous House Ants
Another frequent intruder is the odorous house ant. These ants get their name because they release a rotten, coconut-like smell when crushed. Odorous house ants prefer wall voids, electrical outlets, and baseboards—making your walls the perfect hiding spot. They’re especially persistent during warmer months or after rain, when outdoor food sources are harder to find.
Like Argentine ants, odorous house ants are attracted to sweets and moisture. They’ll use tiny cracks in your foundation, siding, or utility lines to sneak inside.
Why Ants Invade Your Walls
Ants don’t move into walls at random. They’re searching for:
Food sources – Crumbs, sugary spills, and pet food bowls.
Moisture – Leaky pipes, damp drywall, or humid bathrooms.
Shelter – Safe, undisturbed areas where they can build nests and expand their colony.
Once ants find these essentials inside your walls, they settle in—and that’s when you start noticing the trails.
Using Ant Baits for Wall Infestations
When it comes to ants in walls, baits are the most effective treatment. Unlike sprays, which only kill the ants you see, baits work by luring worker ants to carry poisoned food back to the colony. Over time, this wipes out the entire nest, including hidden queens.
Gel baits can be placed near ant trails, cracks, and entry points.
Bait stations are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms where ants are active.
Always avoid spraying near baits, since sprays can repel ants and reduce bait effectiveness.
IPM: Integrated Pest Management Inside & Out
Professional pest control services in Rialto and Fontana often use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to keep ants under control. This strategy combines several steps:
Inspection – Locating nests inside walls and outside on the property.
Sanitation – Removing food crumbs, sealing trash cans, and fixing leaks.
Exclusion – Sealing cracks, repairing weather stripping, and caulking entry points.
Treatment – Using baits inside and barrier sprays outside to cut off colonies from your home.
By combining indoor and outdoor tactics, IPM targets both the ants you see and the ones hidden deep in your walls.
Prevention Tactics for Rialto & Fontana Homes
Once ants are eliminated, prevention is key. Here are steps every homeowner should take:
Seal up entry points – Pay attention to gaps around windows, doors, and pipes.
Fix water leaks – Even small drips under sinks can attract ants.
Trim landscaping – Keep trees, shrubs, and mulch away from the foundation.
Keep food sealed – Store pantry items in airtight containers and wipe counters often.
Schedule regular pest control – Ongoing treatments help stop re-infestations.
Professional Pest Control in Rialto & Fontana
DIY methods can reduce ant activity temporarily, but when ants are nesting inside your walls, it usually takes professional help to fully eliminate the problem. At TruPest Solutions, we specialize in treating Argentine ants, odorous house ants, and other invasive species common to Rialto and Fontana. Using targeted baits, IPM strategies, and preventative treatments, we help homeowners take back their space for good.
Final Word: Ants in walls aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re a sign of a much bigger colony problem. Whether you’re battling Argentine ants or odorous house ants, the best solution is a mix of baits, IPM, and prevention. If you’re dealing with stubborn ant infestations in Rialto or Fontana, call TruPest Solutions today for reliable, local pest control that actually works.
