How To Get Rid of Ants in South Florida

If you live anywhere in Broward County, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach County—especially cities like Davie, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, or Pembroke Pines—you’ve probably battled ants in your home at some point. South Florida’s humid, rainy climate is a paradise for ants, turning kitchens, bathrooms, and even bedrooms into easy targets for these persistent invaders. The good news? You don’t have to live with ants. As a local, owner-operated pest control company, Misla Pest Solutions has helped hundreds of South Florida families reclaim their homes. Here’s what you need to know to get rid of ants for good.

Why Ants Are a Major Problem in South Florida

Our region is home to several ant species, and our tropical weather means they’re active year-round. Ants come inside seeking food, water, and shelter—especially after heavy rain or landscaping disturbances. Once they get in, colonies can quickly multiply and become tough to control without the right strategy.

Common Ant Species in South Florida

1. Ghost Ants (“Sugar Ants”)
Tiny and almost translucent, ghost ants love sweets and are notorious for trailing into kitchens and pantries.

2. Big-Headed Ants
These small, brown ants build huge underground colonies and can quickly take over yards and invade homes in search of food.

3. Argentine Ants
Dark brown and aggressive, Argentine ants form supercolonies and are tough to eliminate with DIY methods.

4. Carpenter Ants
Larger, black or reddish ants that nest in wood. While less common indoors, they can cause real structural damage if they nest in walls or attics.

5. Pharaoh Ants
Small, yellow ants often found in hospitals, apartments, and condos. Known for spreading quickly and being very hard to treat without professional help.

Where Do Ants Hide in Florida Homes?

Ants are masters at finding hidden entry points and nesting spots, such as:

  • Behind kitchen appliances (fridges, stoves, dishwashers)
  • Inside pantry shelves or food storage
  • Under sinks, around plumbing, and behind bathroom tiles
  • Along window sills and door frames
  • In wall voids, electrical outlets, and under flooring
  • Outside: under mulch, stones, pavers, and along building foundations

The Real Reason DIY Ant Control Fails in South Florida

You might be tempted to grab ant sprays or bait traps from the store, but most DIY products only kill the ants you see. The real colony—and the queen—are hidden deep in your walls, under your home, or out in the yard. Store-bought sprays can even make things worse by causing the colony to split (a process called “budding”), creating new satellite nests and more problems.

Fact: Ant infestations in South Florida require a targeted, multi-step approach to eliminate both the workers and the queen. That’s why professional help often makes the difference.

Proven Ways to Get Rid of Ants in South Florida Homes

1. Identify the Species

Not all ants respond to the same treatments. Identifying whether you have ghost ants, big-headed ants, or another type will determine the best strategy.

2. Eliminate Food and Water Sources

  • Wipe up spills and crumbs immediately, especially sugary drinks or foods.
  • Store pantry items in sealed containers—plastic bags and cardboard boxes are not enough!
  • Fix leaks under sinks and eliminate standing water in bathrooms and laundry rooms.
  • Empty pet food bowls and clean up leftovers right away.

3. Seal Entry Points

  • Use silicone caulk to seal cracks, gaps, and holes around windows, doors, pipes, and baseboards.
  • Install weather stripping on doors and repair torn window screens.
  • Trim back tree branches and plants that touch your home’s exterior.

4. Professional Ant Baits and Non-Repellent Treatments

  • Professional baits use slow-acting ingredients that ants take back to the colony, wiping it out at the source.
  • Non-repellent sprays (like Alpine WSG or Termidor for outdoors) allow ants to walk through the treatment and share it with others, targeting hidden colonies.
  • Crack and crevice treatments deliver product right where ants hide and travel.

5. Yard and Perimeter Treatments

  • Treating the yard, mulch beds, and foundation helps keep outdoor colonies from invading.
  • Regular maintenance is key—Florida ants can re-colonize quickly after rain.

6. Ongoing Prevention

  • Schedule regular inspections and service, especially in spring and summer when ants are most active.
  • Clean under appliances, behind cabinets, and check for new entry points every month.
  • Remove leaf litter, excess mulch, and debris from around your foundation.

Are Ant Treatments Safe for My Family and Pets?

Absolutely. At Misla Pest Solutions, we only use low-toxicity, family- and pet-friendly products. Treatments are applied in precise, targeted areas—never as broad, random sprays. Once dry, treated surfaces are safe for children and pets to be around.

Why Choose Professional Ant Control Over DIY?

1. Thorough Inspections
A pro will find every hidden nest and entry point—even those you’d never expect.

2. Targeted Products
We use professional-grade baits and non-repellent sprays that get results where DIY products fail.

3. Long-Term Solutions
Professional follow-up means you won’t have to deal with the same problem over and over.

4. Expert Advice
Get personalized tips to prevent future infestations—tailored for your home and local conditions.

How Misla Pest Solutions Gets Rid of Ants

As a local, owner-operated company, Misla Pest Solutions treats every customer like family. Here’s our straightforward process:

  1. Personal Inspection:
    Owner Timothy Misla inspects your home, identifies the ant species, and pinpoints all nests and entry points.
  2. Customized Treatment:
    We apply professional baits and non-repellent sprays where they’ll be most effective—inside and outside your home.
  3. Follow-Up:
    We provide follow-up visits as needed, making sure the colony is gone and your home stays protected.
  4. Prevention Tips:
    You get expert, honest advice on how to keep ants out for good, with no sales pressure or unnecessary treatments.

Final Ant Prevention Tips for South Florida Homes

  • Inspect your home’s exterior every few months and seal any new cracks or gaps.
  • Keep trees, shrubs, and mulch away from your foundation.
  • Store all food—including pet food—in airtight containers.
  • Clean up spills and crumbs immediately, especially in kitchens and dining areas.
  • Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.

Take Action Today – Call Misla Pest Solutions

If you’re tired of seeing ants in your South Florida home, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call Misla Pest Solutions today for a free inspection at (954) 558-4511. Mention code WELCOME50 for $50 off your first ant treatment.

We proudly serve all of Broward County, Miami-Dade, and Boca Raton—protecting homes and families with safe, effective ant control that works.

Take your home back from ants. Trust the local expert—Timothy Misla at Misla Pest Solutions LLC.