Ant Control in Northwest Louisiana: A Guide for Shreveport and Bossier City Homeowners

Why Ants Are So Common in Northwest Louisiana

In Shreveport, Bossier City, and surrounding parishes, ant activity typically increases from early spring through late fall. However, because winters are relatively mild, some species remain active year-round.

Ants invade homes for three primary reasons:

• Food sources
• Moisture
• Easy access points

After heavy rain — which is common in our area — outdoor colonies are often forced to relocate, pushing ants indoors.

Common Ants in Shreveport & Bossier City Homes

Different ants require different treatment strategies. Misidentification can worsen infestations, especially in multi-queen species.

Argentine Ants

Why they’re common here:
Argentine ants thrive in warm, humid climates like Northwest Louisiana. They form massive colonies with multiple queens, making them persistent and challenging to eliminate without targeted treatment.

What you’ll notice:

• Long trails of small brown ants
• Activity near kitchens and pet food
• Sudden large population increases

Because of their colony structure, over-the-counter sprays rarely eliminate the root problem.

Learn more about this species in our Argentine ant identification and control guide.

Pharaoh Ants

Why they’re important:
Pharaoh ants are known for “budding,” meaning colonies split when disturbed. The wrong treatment can actually cause the infestation to spread.

What you’ll notice:

• Tiny, pale ants
• Activity in kitchens and bathrooms
• Infestations that seem to multiply quickly

Professional identification is especially important with this species.

Learn more in our Pharaoh ant information page.

Fire Ants

Why they’re a big concern in NW Louisiana:
Fire ants are extremely common in yards throughout Caddo and Bossier parishes. Their painful stings pose risks to children, pets, and anyone working outdoors.

What you’ll notice:

• Soil mounds in lawns
• Aggressive swarming when disturbed
• Increased mound activity after rain

Fire ant control in Shreveport requires treating the colony, not just flattening the mound.

Read our local fire ant identification guide for Northwest Louisiana.

Carpenter Ants

Why they matter:
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood like termites, but they tunnel through damp or weakened wood to build nests. In many cases, their presence indicates a moisture issue.

What you’ll notice:

• Large black ants indoors
• Sawdust-like debris (frass)
• Activity near windows, doors, or rooflines

If you’re seeing large ants inside, it’s worth ruling out wood damage.

If you’re seeing large ants indoors or on your property, review our carpenter ant identification guide.

What Attracts Ants to Louisiana Homes?

Food (Even Small Amounts)

Ants survive on crumbs and residue that homeowners may not even notice (at least, not right away), including: 

• Sugary spills (juice, soda, coffee syrups)
• Grease and food film on stovetops
• Pantry items that aren’t sealed (cereal, pet food, baking supplies)
• Trash cans and recycling bins

Moisture & Humidity

Moisture and humidity are major drivers of ant activity in Northwest Louisiana.

Common moisture sources include:

• Leaky plumbing
• Poor bathroom ventilation
• HVAC condensate lines
• Wet sponges and mop buckets
• Crawl space moisture issues

Entry Points Around the Structure

Ants can enter through:

• Cracks in the slab or foundation
• Gaps around pipes and cables
• Door sweeps and threshold gaps
• Window weep holes and small siding gaps

They also use tree limbs, shrubs, and vines to access eaves and rooflines.

How to Get Rid of Ants (The Right Way)

If you want to eliminate ants completely — not just temporarily reduce activity — the goal is to remove the colony and prevent re-infestation.

A professional pest control plan typically includes:

• Correct identification
• Locating the nest(s)
• Targeted treatment
• Exterior perimeter protection
• Ongoing services to keep ants out 

In Northwest Louisiana’s climate, ant control is rarely “one and done.” If ants keep returning no matter what you try, scheduling a professional ant control service is often faster and more cost-effective than repeated DIY attempts.

Locally owned and family operated, Anti-Pest provides residential pest control throughout Caddo, Bossier, and nearby parishes. Our licensed team identifies the species, builds a treatment plan specific to your home and local conditions, and provides ongoing pest treatments to ensure your home remains ant-free. Plus, we’ll keep other house-infesting insects and rodents out, too! 

Contact us today for professional ant removal! 

How to Reduce Outdoor Ant Pressure 

Most indoor infestations begin outside.

To reduce recurring problems:

• Trim vegetation away from siding and rooflines
• Keep mulch and debris from piling against the foundation
• Improve drainage and eliminate standing water
• Store firewood off the ground and away from the home
• Maintain professional pest control service

If you’re also seeing other pests along with ants, this broader guide can help you spot common attractants: 7 Things in Your Home Attracting Pests Right Now (and How to Stop Them).

Ants vs. Termites: Should You Be Concerned?

Seeing ants does not automatically mean you have termites.

However, carpenter ants can indicate moisture-damaged wood, which may also attract wood-destroying insects.

If you’re unsure whether you’re seeing ants or termites, or if you’re concerned about termites and wood damage, Anti-Pest can help you evaluate risk and next steps.

You can also learn more about these wood-damaging insects here: Termite Identification Guide.

Need an Ant Exterminator in Shreveport or Bossier City?

If you’re dealing with recurring ants, painful fire ant mounds, or large ants inside your home, Anti-Pest can help.

We provide:

• Shreveport pest control
• Bossier City pest control
• Service to the surrounding Northwest Louisiana communities

Contact us today for lasting protection against ants in Northwest Louisiana.

FAQs About Ants in Northwest Louisiana

Why do ants keep coming back into Louisiana homes?

Because of our long warm season and humidity, colonies remain active for much of the year. Many local species also have multiple queens, which makes infestations persistent without targeted treatment.

Is it normal to see ants year-round in Shreveport?

Yes. While activity peaks in warmer months, mild winters allow some species to remain active indoors in Shreveport and surrounding areas.

Does one ant trail mean there’s a nest nearby?

In most cases, yes. Ants travel in scent trails from a nearby colony. Cleaning the trail may temporarily stop activity, but it won’t remove the source.

Are fire ants worse after rain?

Yes. Heavy rain can flood colonies, forcing ants to relocate and build new mounds quickly.

When should I call an ant exterminator?

If you’re seeing ants repeatedly or in multiple areas of your home, professional treatment is recommended. Ongoing pest control is the most effective way to prevent them from returning.