Ants in Northwest Ohio: What You’re Seeing & How to Get Rid of Them

If you live in Van Wert, Paulding, or Celina, you’ve likely seen ants show up in your home once spring and summer temperatures rise. From neighborhoods near Fountain Park to homes around Grand Lake St. Marys, ant activity increases as colonies search for food and moisture.

At ProGuard Pest Control, we provide professional ant control services throughout Northwest Ohio, helping homeowners eliminate infestations quickly and prevent them from returning.

Common Ants Found in Northwest Ohio Homes

1. Odorous House Ants

These small brown or black ants are one of the most common ants in Van Wert and Paulding homes. They’re typically found in kitchens and bathrooms and are attracted to sugary foods. When crushed, they give off a rotten coconut smell.

2. Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are larger and can cause structural damage by tunneling through wood. We often see them in homes near wooded areas and older properties throughout Celina and rural Paulding County. If you notice large black ants or small piles of sawdust-like material, you may have a carpenter ant problem.

3. Pavement Ants

Common around driveways, sidewalks, and foundations, pavement ants frequently enter homes in neighborhoods throughout Van Wert County looking for crumbs and grease.

How to Get Rid of Ants in Your House

If you’re dealing with ants in Van Wert, Paulding, or Celina, here are steps you can take immediately:

1. Remove Food Sources

• Clean countertops daily

• Store food in airtight containers

• Sweep and vacuum regularly

• Take trash out consistently

Even small crumbs can attract hundreds of ants.

2. Fix Moisture Issues

Ants are drawn to water. Repair leaking pipes, reduce basement humidity, and seal gaps around sinks and tubs.

3. Seal Entry Points

Caulk cracks around windows, doors, and foundations. Homes near farm fields and wooded areas are especially vulnerable to exterior entry points.

4. Use Ant Baits (Not Just Sprays)

Sprays only kill the ants you see. Baits allow workers to carry treatment back to the colony, eliminating the source. However, over-the-counter products often fail to fully eliminate larger infestations.

When to Call a Professional Ant Exterminator in Van Wert, Paulding or Celina

You should contact a professional if:

• Ants keep coming back

• You’re seeing large carpenter ants

• You notice wood damage

• The infestation spreads to multiple rooms

At ProGuard Pest Control, we identify the ant species, locate nesting areas, and apply targeted treatments designed to eliminate the entire colony. We also perform exterior barrier treatments to prevent ants from re-entering your home.

Local Ant Control You Can Trust

Whether you live near downtown Van Wert, outside Paulding, or close to the lake in Celina, ant problems won’t resolve on their own. The sooner you act, the easier they are to control.

If you need professional ant control in Van Wert, Paulding, or Celina, Ohio, ProGuard Pest Control is ready to help. Contact us today for an inspection and keep your home protected year-round.