Ant Control in Memphis
Ants on the counter usually come from a colony outside or in a wall, and spraying the trail just splits the colony. Baits that workers carry back to the nest, plus sealing where they come in, are what end it.
Call (901) 668-7063Ask for an inspection
We only refer companies with a current Tennessee Department of Agriculture pest control charter. Check one yourself.
Note where the trail starts and ends before you wipe it up. It tells the technician where to look.
Why ants come in
Memphis gets about 56 inches of rain a year, and about 18 days a year bring an inch or more (NOAA, 1996 to 2025). A heavy rain floods nests in the soil, and ants move up and in. A dry spell does the opposite and sends them looking for water under sinks and in bathrooms. Mulch beds against the foundation and tree limbs touching the roof give them easy routes.
Kitchen ants
Small ants trailing to sugar or a pet bowl are the common indoor call. Sprays kill the workers you see and can cause some colonies to split and spread. Baits work slower but reach the queen, because workers carry the bait home. Give a bait several days and leave the trail alone while it works. If ants keep coming after a couple of weeks, the colony may be in a wall or under the slab, and that is the time to call.
Fire ants
Fire ants build loose, domed mounds in sunny lawns, especially after rain, and they sting when the mound is disturbed. They are a yard problem more than a house problem, but they matter if you have kids or dogs who play on the lawn. Broadcast baits across the lawn, with individual mound treatments for the worst ones, is the usual approach. Don't pour gasoline or other fuel on mounds.
Carpenter ants
Large black ants inside, especially in spring, or piles of sawdust-like debris under wood, can mean carpenter ants nesting in damp wood. They don't eat wood the way termites do, but their nest usually points to a moisture problem, like a leak at a window or roof. Ask the company to look for the moisture source, not just the ants.
What it costs
This Old House lists ant treatment at $100 to $500 (March 2026, national). Ants are often covered under a general pest plan, so ask whether an ant visit is included before paying for it separately. See the cost guide and general pest control.
Kids and pets
Bait stations keep the product contained. Ask where gel baits will go and keep pets away from them. On the lawn, ask how long to keep kids and dogs off after fire ant bait goes down.
Questions homeowners ask
Why do ants come inside after it rains?
Heavy rain floods nests in the soil and ants move up, often into the house. Memphis averages about 18 days a year with an inch of rain or more.
How much does ant control cost?
This Old House lists ant treatment at $100 to $500 nationally. It is often included in a general pest plan.
Should I spray an ant trail?
I would not. Sprays kill the workers you see and can make a colony split. Baits that workers carry home work better.
How do I get rid of fire ants in my yard?
Broadcast bait across the lawn plus treatment of the worst mounds is the usual approach. Keep kids and pets off until the label says it is safe.