Ant Control in South Florida

Ghost ants in your kitchen. Fire ants in your lawn. Big-headed ants in your driveway. Ants are the most commonly reported pest in South Florida homes — and the most often mishandled. Most over-the-counter ant sprays make infestations worse by triggering colony splitting. Bugsy’s Pest Solutions uses professional non-repellent baiting technology to eliminate entire colonies, including the queen — not just the workers you can see.

Ants Common to South Florida

Ghost Ants (Sugar Ants)

Ghost ants are tiny, nearly translucent ants that are the dominant indoor ant species in South Florida. They nest in wall voids, under flooring, and in soil near foundations, and forage for sweet and greasy foods in kitchens and bathrooms. Per UF IFAS Extension research, ghost ants are uniquely difficult to control because repellent products cause “colony budding” — the colony splits into multiple new colonies, spreading rather than shrinking the infestation. Learn more on our ghost ant guide.

Big-Headed Ants

Big-headed ants build large underground colonies that can contain millions of workers. They displace other ant species and are extremely difficult to eliminate with one-time treatments. Consistent non-repellent bait applications across the full property are required for effective control.

Fire Ants

Fire ants build mound colonies throughout South Florida lawns and deliver a painful sting. Treating individual mounds is a short-term fix — colonies simply relocate. Broadcast bait applications across the entire lawn deliver active ingredient to workers throughout the full property, eliminating colonies at the source.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants excavate wood to build their nests — they don’t eat it, but the galleries they create can weaken structural wood over time. They’re particularly common near moisture-damaged wood, trees, and decks. Inspection to find the nest location is critical for effective treatment.

White-Footed Ants

White-footed ants form massive colonies — up to 3 million workers — and are resistant to many contact insecticides. They’re increasingly common in South Florida’s urban areas. Non-repellent bait combined with perimeter treatment is the most effective approach.

Why Most DIY Ant Treatments Fail

• Store-bought repellent sprays kill visible workers but scatter the colony
• Colonies detect the repellent and split into multiple sub-colonies — one infestation becomes several
• Queens are never reached by surface-only treatments
• Without eliminating the queen, the colony rebuilds within days
• Repeated DIY treatments can make colonies progressively harder to control

Bugsy’s Non-Repellent Ant Control Method

The EPA’s Integrated Pest Management approach and UF IFAS Extension research both recommend non-repellent bait as the gold standard for ant control. Worker ants carry the bait back to the colony without sensing it, sharing it with nestmates including the queen. The entire colony is eliminated from within. Bugsy’s technicians apply non-repellent gel and granular baits to ant trails, nesting areas, and entry points — customized to the specific species found in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I keep getting ghost ants in my kitchen?

Ghost ants forage for moisture and food year-round in South Florida. They typically enter through small gaps in baseboards, around pipes, or through window frames. A professional inspection will identify the entry points and nesting locations so treatment targets the full colony.

Do I need to prepare before an ant treatment?

For interior bait treatments, we ask that you avoid cleaning kitchen surfaces or applying any bug sprays for 48 hours before and after treatment. This gives the bait time to work. We’ll walk you through specific instructions when we schedule your appointment.

How long does it take for ant baiting to work?

You’ll typically see a significant reduction in ant activity within 5–14 days. The timeline depends on colony size and species. Some ant species require follow-up treatments — our service guarantee ensures we return if activity continues.

Can you treat fire ants in my lawn without harming my pets?

Yes. We use broadcast granular bait that is labeled as pet-safe when applied correctly. We’ll advise you to keep pets off the treated area until the bait has been watered in.

Get a Free Ant Control Estimate

Don’t wait for a pest problem to get worse. Bugsy’s Pest Solutions is ready to help. As a veteran-owned, family-operated company, we treat your home like our own. Call (561) 654-8998 or request your free estimate online. We serve Palm Beach and Broward counties including Lake Worth Beach, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, and surrounding areas.