Ants keep coming back? Start with the trail.

Look at the route, not just the countertop.

Check where the trail disappears: a window frame, the edge of a cabinet or a gap beside a pipe. You don’t need to pull anything apart. A quick photo and a note about the room give you something specific to share when you ask for help.

Be precise about timing, too. “They were beside the kitchen sink this morning” is more useful than “we have ants everywhere.” If you have seen them in several rooms, list those rooms separately.

Check food and water sources.

Sealed food containers, clean counters and repaired leaks make the home less inviting to ants. Check food waste bins as well as the obvious crumbs. UC IPM recommends combining these steps with attention to entry gaps.

• Wipe up spills and grease, including around food containers.
• Check for moisture under the sink or near a leaking faucet.
• Keep indoor food waste bins clean and empty them regularly.

Further reading: UC IPM: Ants

Spraying the trail may only solve what you can see.

Many ants nest outdoors. Killing the visible workers indoors does not necessarily stop more ants entering. Baits work differently: workers carry a slow acting product back to the colony. The choice and placement depend on the situation.

If you already used a spray or bait, keep the product name and tell the technician where you put it. Follow the product label rather than adding extra applications to try to speed things up.

Further reading: UC IPM: Ants in the Home

What to send when you contact Onyx.

For an ant control request in Newport Beach, Santa Ana or another Onyx service area, include your ZIP code, the rooms affected and any products already used. An existing photo helps, but you do not need a species identification to get in touch.

Before booking, ask what the quote covers, whether there are preparation instructions and how follow-up is handled. Keep those details with your appointment information so you know what to expect.