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Ant: A Recent Job in Surprise, AZ & Some Homeowner Tips

Category: Holiday

Published: April 2026

By: Kyle Deal, Owner, Deal Pest Control

What I Walked Into

April is when I usually start getting more ant calls around Avondale & The West Valley.

As the weather warms up, ants become more active around homes, patios, kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping and foundation areas.

This particular call came from a homeowner who noticed ants along the kitchen window and near the back patio door. At first, it looked like a small issue, just a few ants here and there.

But that is usually how ant problems start.

The homeowner was doing what most people would do. They were wiping the ants away when they saw them and trying to keep the area clean. The problem was that the ants kept coming back.

That is when they called us.

The Problem

Once I inspected the property, I saw that the ants were not just wandering randomly.

They were active around the kitchen window, along the patio edge and near a few landscaping areas close to the home. I also noticed small gaps around the exterior where ants could easily trail into the house.

The homeowner mentioned that the ants disappeared for a short time after wiping them away, but they kept coming back to the same areas. That usually tells me there is still a colony nearby that needs to be addressed, not just the ants you can see.

That is something I always explain to homeowners. With ants, the visible trail is usually only part of the problem.

The Process

I started with a full inspection of the inside and outside of the home, focusing on where the ants were trailing, entering and gathering.

I checked the kitchen window, patio door, foundation edge, landscaping, irrigation areas and small cracks around the exterior.

After finding the main activity areas, I treated the key spots and walked the homeowner through what I saw. I explained why the ants were showing up, what conditions may have been attracting them and how they could help reduce future activity.

With ants, treatment and prevention work best together. If the food sources, moisture or access points remain, ants can continue trying to return.

The Outcome

After the service, the homeowner noticed less ant activity around the kitchen window and patio door.

The trail slowed down, and the main problem areas were addressed. I also gave the homeowner a few practical steps they could keep an eye on moving forward.

That is always my goal. I do not just want to treat the issue and leave. I want you to understand what is happening around your home so you can feel more confident moving forward.

DIY Advice I Shared

Here are a few simple tips I shared with the homeowner:

Keep food sealed and wipe down counters regularly.

Clean up crumbs, spills and pet food when possible.

Check around windows, doors and patio areas for small gaps.

Trim plants or bushes that touch the home.

Watch for ant trails after watering or after a change in weather.

Try not to rely only on wiping away visible ants, because the colony may still be active nearby.

These small steps can help, especially when combined with proper treatment.

"It's brighter than before!"

— Megan

Professional Insight

Ant problems are almost always connected to food, moisture, shelter or access points around the home.

They are not always easy to stop with store-bought sprays because sprays usually only treat the ants you see. The real issue is often the trail, the entry point or the colony nearby.

That is why I always look at the bigger picture before treating.

Around Avondale & The West Valley, I often see ant activity near patios, kitchen windows, foundation lines, irrigation areas and landscaping. Once ants find a reliable path, they can keep returning to the same spots.