Ant Invasions Are Surging on Long Island & New York Areas. Here’s How to Stop Them Before They Start
Spring on Long Island brings warmer days, blooming yards, and a wave of ants pouring into kitchens, basements, and walls across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the five boroughs. At Knockout Pest Control, we’ve seen ant service calls climb sharply over the last several springs, and 2026 is no exception. With a few proactive steps and the right Long Island Pest Control plan, you can stop an ant invasion before it starts.
Why Ant Activity Is Surging in New York
Two ant species drive most New York infestations: the small black or brown pavement ant (often called the sugar ant) and the much larger carpenter ant. Pavement ants are mostly a nuisance, until a colony of half a million decides your kitchen is the new food court. Carpenter ants are a bigger problem entirely. Like termites, they tunnel through wood to build nests, which means they can quietly cause serious structural damage to your Long Island or NYC home.
Mild winters, heavy spring rain, and aging housing stock across Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens, and Westchester have created perfect conditions for both species to thrive.
Early Warning Signs of an Ant Invasion
Ants rarely show up alone. By the time you see one scout, others are usually right behind it. Watch for:
- Trails of small ants along baseboards, countertops, or windowsills
- Larger black or reddish ants (carpenter ants) inside, especially near sinks, tubs, or window frames
- Tiny piles of wood shavings, a telltale sign of carpenter ant nesting
- Ant hills between sidewalk cracks or along your foundation
- Faint rustling sounds inside walls (carpenter ant colonies can be that active)
Stop Ants Before They Start: A Homeowner Checklist
Most ant invasions are preventable. Use this quick spring checklist to harden your home:
- Seal entry points. Caulk cracks in your foundation, around windows, and where utility lines enter the house. Pavement ants need only a hairline gap.
- Eliminate moisture. Fix leaky faucets, clear gutters, and address standing water near the foundation. Carpenter ants are drawn to damp, softened wood.
- Trim back vegetation. Tree branches, shrubs, and mulch piles touching your siding give ants a direct bridge inside.
- Lock down food sources. Store sugar, cereal, and pet food in airtight containers. Wipe counters nightly and empty crumbs from toasters and drawers.
- Disrupt the trail. Ants leave pheromone scent paths to food. Wipe trails with soapy water, but understand this is only temporary if the colony isn’t treated.
Why DIY Sprays Fall Short
Store-bought sprays kill the workers you can see, but the queen and the rest of the colony stay safe, often deep inside your walls. That’s why the ants keep coming back. Knockout’s technicians use integrated pest management, green baiting systems, and targeted treatments that interrupt pheromone trails and eliminate colonies at the source.
Knock Out Ants for Good
Knockout Pest Control has been protecting homes and businesses across Long Island, NYC, Westchester, and Rockland Counties since 1975. Ants are covered under our KO-12 Annual Program for year-round protection. Call (800) 244-7378 or request a free estimate. New customers save $50 on initial service.
