You’ve sprayed. You’ve cleaned. You’ve done everything the DIY blogs recommend—and yet, the ants keep coming back. If you’ve ever wondered why you still have ants after spraying, you’re not alone. Here in the Coachella Valley, we frequently hear from frustrated homeowners in Palm Springs, La Quinta, Cathedral City, and Indio who have tried sprays and store-bought ant killers with little success. The truth is, sprays alone rarely eliminate an infestation. In fact, certain mistakes can make the problem worse.
We frequently hear from frustrated homeowners in Palm Springs, La Quinta, Cathedral City, and Indio who have tried sprays and store-bought ant killers with little success. The truth is, sprays alone rarely eliminate an infestation. In fact, certain mistakes can make the problem worse.
At Frazier Pest Control, we’ve spent over 38 years helping local families win the battle against ants. Let’s break down six common mistakes that sabotage ant control—and what you can do instead.
Read more: Why Squishing Ants Can Make Your Infestation Worse
1. Only Spraying the Ants You See
One of the biggest misconceptions is that killing the ants you see means the problem is solved. In reality, those visible ants are just scouts—maybe 5% of the colony. The real nest, hidden in your walls, yard, or foundation, remains untouched.
Better solution: Effective treatments target the colony itself, not just surface activity. That’s why professional baiting and treatment systems are much more successful long-term.
Read more: Insects in Palm Springs, CA: What You Need to Know
2. Using the Wrong Spray
Not all sprays are created equal. Many over-the-counter products are designed for quick knockdown, but they don’t penetrate the colony. Some even cause the colony to “bud,” splitting into multiple nests that spread throughout your property.
Better solution: Correctly identifying the ant species (such as Argentine ants, which are common in the Coachella Valley) is critical. Professionals use targeted products that eliminate colonies without causing them to scatter.
Read more: Can I Get Rid of Cockroaches Myself
3. Ignoring Entry Points
Spraying countertops or floors won’t help if ants keep sneaking in through tiny cracks, gaps around windows, or plumbing penetrations. Unless you seal these entry points, ants will always find their way back.
Better solution: Inspect your home thoroughly and seal gaps with caulk or weatherstripping. A professional can point out the most common overlooked entry points during an inspection.
Read more: Mice in Coachella Valley Homes: Signs, Risks, and Removal
4. Leaving Hidden Food Sources
Even the cleanest homes have overlooked food sources: pet bowls left out overnight, sticky spills under appliances, unsealed cereal boxes, or fruit sitting on the counter. Ants are experts at finding these small rewards, and if they do, they’ll keep coming back.
Better solution: Store food in airtight containers, rinse recyclables, and clean under appliances regularly. Eliminating easy meals makes your home less attractive to ants.
Read more: Identify Desert Harvester Ants in Coachella Valley Homes!
5. Forgetting About Water
Ants don’t just need food—they need water. In the desert climate of the Coachella Valley, any indoor source of moisture becomes a magnet. Leaky pipes, condensation around your air conditioner, or damp bathrooms can all sustain an ant colony.
Better solution: Fix leaks promptly, dry wet areas, and use a dehumidifier if necessary. Cutting off water sources is just as important as removing food.
Read more: Argentine Ants in the Coachella Valley: The Unstoppable Invasion
6. Not Calling for Professional Help Early Enough
Many homeowners wait until the infestation feels unmanageable before calling for help. By then, ants may have spread to multiple colonies or even into wall voids, making them much harder to treat.
Better solution: Professional inspections and preventative treatments catch problems early—before they spiral out of control.
Read more: Coachella Valley’s Hidden Threat: Understanding Scorpion Infestations
Why DIY Sprays Aren’t Enough in the Coachella Valley
With our desert climate, extreme summer heat, and year-round pest activity, ants here don’t just go away on their own. Argentine ants, in particular, are notorious for creating massive colonies that can span entire neighborhoods. A single can of spray simply can’t keep up.
That’s why Coachella Valley homeowners rely on Frazier Pest Control. Our experienced technicians identify the species, locate the nest, and use proven treatments to eliminate the entire colony—not just the ants you see.
Read more: How Your HVAC System Could Be Attracting Cockroaches in Desert Homes
FAQ: Why You Still Have Ants After Spraying
Q: How long should it take for ants to go away after spraying?
A: It depends on the method used. Surface sprays may provide a few hours of relief, but the colony can bounce back within days. Professional treatments, on the other hand, are designed to reach the colony and usually show long-term results within a week or two.
Q: Why do ants keep coming back after I clean everything?
A: Ants are highly persistent and can detect even the tiniest food residues or water sources. Even if your home looks spotless, hidden crumbs, sticky residues, or leaks can sustain them. A professional inspection helps identify the attractants you might be missing.
Q: Are store-bought sprays dangerous for pets and kids?
A: Many over-the-counter sprays contain chemicals that can pose risks if not used properly, especially around children or pets. At Frazier Pest Control, we prioritize family- and pet-safe solutions that effectively control pests without compromising your health.
Call Frazier Pest Control Today
Still seeing ants after spraying? Don’t waste more time or money on products that don’t work. Call the experts at Frazier Pest Control, serving Palm Springs, La Quinta, Cathedral City, Indio, and the entire Coachella Valley.
With over 38 years of local experience, we know how to eliminate ant colonies at the source—and keep them from coming back.
Take back your home today. Call Frazier Pest Control and get the ant-free peace of mind you deserve. (760) 328-6115
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