Quick Answer
If you are consistently seeing large, black ants (Carpenter Ants) indoors, finding piles of fine sawdust (frass) near window sills, or hearing faint rustling sounds in your walls at night, you need a professional immediately. Over-the-counter baits rarely kill the main carpenter ant nest.
Nuisance Ants vs. Wood Destroyers
Odorous House Ants
Small, brown ants trailing to your sugar bowl. Annoying, but they don't damage wood.
Carpenter Ants
Large, black ants that excavate galleries inside your framing to build nests, causing severe structural damage.
Comparison Breakdown
Pavement Ants
- Location: Driveways, kitchens
- Damage: None
- Treatment: Baiting
Carpenter Ants
- Location: Damp wood, walls
- Damage: Severe
- Treatment: Deep wall void injection
Common Questions Before Hiring
Are quotes free?
Yes. We offer 100% free phone consultations and in-person inspections with zero obligation to buy.
How fast can you get here?
For emergencies like active wasp nests or severe infestations, we often provide same-day or next-day service.
Are the treatments safe?
We prioritize EPA-approved, botanical, and micro-encapsulated treatments that dry fast and are safe for kids and pets.
Do you guarantee your work?
Absolutely. If pests return between your scheduled seasonal treatments, we return and re-treat at no extra cost.
Do I have to sign a contract?
We offer both one-time emergency services without contracts, and discounted annual protection plans for year-round peace of mind.
What areas do you serve?
We provide rapid response pest control throughout the entire Twin Cities metro area and surrounding suburbs.
The Ankora Advantage
The Rotted Deck Ledger
A client in Lakeville noticed a few large black ants on their deck. By the time they called us a year later, the ants had completely hollowed out the deck's ledger board, requiring $3,000 in carpentry repairs before we could even begin treatment.
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*Composite example drawn from common Twin Cities service calls. Details changed to protect customer privacy.
Topic FAQs
If you see ants inside during a Minnesota winter, it means they have a nest built inside the warmth of your walls.
No, they only chew through it to create nesting galleries. They don't actually digest the wood.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Schedule your free inspection today and let our Twin Cities experts handle the rest.
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