Ant Control in Crockett, TX — Local Ant Exterminator Since 2006
James M
5 Star Google Review
I contacted Critter Gitters this morning to help me eradicate a huge wasp nest on the front of my house and around the eaves of my roof. They kindly came out a couple of hours later, killed all of the wasps, and sent me a picture of the nests. Now THAT’S service!!! Wouldn’t use anyone else!! Thanks Lane for your help and awesome service!
Thai Folta
5 Star Google Review
We have used Critter Gitters for years and wouldn’t think to go elsewhere. They are extremely detail oriented, down to the de-webbing of the whole exterior of our home. They are always extremely professional and punctual (which is a huge must for us). I couldn’t recommend a better company than Critter Gitters!
George Lee
5 Star Google Review
We have used Critter Gitters for years and wouldn’t think to go elsewhere. They are extremely detail oriented, down to the de-webbing of the whole exterior of our home. They are always extremely professional and punctual (which is a huge must for us). I couldn’t recommend a better company than Critter Gitters!
Joy Ione
5 Star Google Review
Joey Baker was highly recommended by the realtor who sold me my house. I saw what looked like termites, but Joey came right away and identified carpenter ants. I saved some dead ones in a zip lock bag for him to look at. He and his team treated the inside and outside of the house. It only took 2 treatments to get rid of the little critters. Don't do what I did. When they first started trailing out of the wall, I sprayed pesticide on them. Joey let me know to let them trail, otherwise they will go back in and make another colony.
Carol Dawson
5 Star Google Review
Critter Getters is always there when I need them!! They are prompt, competent and very reliable! You can certainly trust your staff at Critter Getters! They are the best!!
Wb Byrd
5 Star Google Review
Critter Gitters has provide great service for me for years. The local touch compares to no other. I’m grateful, and my children are as well, to be able to enjoy our backyard year round.
Greg Wassberg
5 Star Google Review
Whether one has bugs inside their home or outside, Critter Gitters offers the complete pest control services. Having mosquito issues outside, they have a service for that. Termite issues, they have a service for that too. Locally owned, and affordable. The technicians are also professional, safe, and understand that each homeowner has their own unique concerns.
Tyler Tabor
5 Star Google Review
We have been using Critter Gitters for years now and wouldn’t recommend anyone else! Joey is very professional yet personable and always has a smile on his face . He tries to make each service as easy as possible. If you’re looking for an amazing pest service experience…look no further!
READY TO GET STARTED?
Finally Stop the Ant Invasions
You wipe down the counter. Clean up every crumb. And the next morning there’s a line of
ants marching across your kitchen like they own the place.
Frustrating doesn’t even cover it.
Here’s what most people don’t realize — the ants you see are just scouts. The real problem
is the colony outside, or sometimes inside your walls. Kill the ones you can see and more
just keep coming. That’s not bad luck, that’s how ants work.
We go after the colony. That’s the only way to actually solve the problem.
Why East Texas Has Such Aggressive Ant Pressure
Houston County homeowners deal with more ant species than most of Texas. Between the fire ants that take over East Texas yards and odorous house ants trailing through kitchen countertops, a single property can have three or four ant species active at once — each requiring a completely different treatment approach.
The warm, humid climate and heavy pine forest mean ant colonies never fully die back in winter. Queens stay active year-round, which is why quarterly pest control in Crockett isn’t optional for most homes — it’s the only way to stay ahead of new colonies before they establish indoors.
According to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ant ID guide, there are over 250 ant species in Texas. Our ACE-certified technicians identify yours before treating — because the bait that collapses a fire ant colony does nothing to the carpenter ants tunneling through your wall studs.
How Critter Gitters Treats Ant Infestations
We start with a perimeter inspection — locating entry points, moisture sources, and active trails. From there we deploy species-specific baits, exterior barrier sprays, and targeted mound treatments. Unlike a generic spray-and-pray approach, our method follows integrated pest management principles outlined by the EPA — using the right product at the right rate for the right species.
For recurring indoor pressure, we inspect crawl spaces, wall penetrations, and exterior foundations for satellite colonies. This step gets skipped by most companies — and it’s exactly where re-infestations start. Our blog post on identifying common ant species in East Texas walks through what to look for between service visits.
Our Ant Control Treatment Process
First visit, we’re figuring out what kind of ants you’ve got and where they’re living — not just
spraying and hoping. Then we treat inside and outside: crack and crevice work, targeted
applications where ants are active, bait placements for species that respond to that.
For Argentine ants with established multi-queen colonies, it takes a few treatments to really
knock them out. We’ll be upfront about that from the start.
Fire Ant Treatment — Why It’s Its Own Thing
Fire ants need a broadcast approach across the whole yard — not spot treatments on individual mounds. We use a professional-grade non-repellent product that binds to the soil and stays active for a full year. Fire ants can’t detect it, so they walk through the treatment zone normally. The product transfers from worker to worker through contact, contaminating the nest and eliminating the colony from the inside out.
One treatment. One-year guarantee. If fire ants come back within the year, we come back at
no charge.
Carpenter Ant Control — When You Need More Than Quarterly Service
If you’re seeing big black ants — especially ones with wings in the spring — you might have
carpenter ants. These are a bigger problem than regular ants because they damage wood.
We locate the nest, treat it directly, and help you figure out the moisture problem that brought them there in the first place. Carpenter ant control is included in the Elite Plan. For Essential or Premium customers, it’s an additional service — but one you don’t want to ignore.
What to Expect After Treatment
You’ll probably see ants for a week or so after we treat. That’s normal — they’re picking up bait or moving through treated areas. Within one to two weeks, activity should drop significantly.
If you’re still seeing heavy activity after two weeks, call us. We’ll come back and re-treat at
no charge.
Fire Ants, Carpenter Ants & Odorous House Ants
Fire ants are the most dangerous ant species in East Texas. The Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project at Texas A&M confirms they have no natural predators in the U.S. — DIY mound treatments scatter the colony without killing the queen. Our two-step broadcast-and-bait method collapses the entire colony, not just the visible mound.
Carpenter ants are the species most often confused with termites. They don’t eat wood — they excavate it to nest, silently damaging structural lumber over months. If you’re seeing large black ants near door frames or window casings, read our comparison of carpenter ant vs. termite damage — and call us. We also offer dedicated carpenter ant control as a targeted service when infestations are structural.
Odorous house ants — the small, dark ants that smell like blue cheese when crushed — are the #1 indoor ant complaint in East Texas. They trail in through the tiniest gaps and establish satellite colonies inside wall voids. Treatment requires finding and eliminating every satellite nest, not just spraying the visible trail.
process
Our Pest Control Process
Connect & Schedule
Your protection starts with a simple conversation.
Our friendly customer service team listens to your concerns, answers questions, and helps schedule an inspection or service visit at your convenience.
Inspection & Diagnosis
We Identify the Source
Our certified technicians perform a detailed inspection of your property — inside and out. We identify pest types, entry points, and contributing conditions to determine exactly what’s happening and why.
Customized Treatment
Science-Based Targeted Solution
Using proven Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, we design a treatment plan tailored to your home, pest type, and environment. We use precision applications — not overuse — to ensure safe, effective, and lasting results.
Guaranteed Results
Professional Service Guaranteed
Our trained specialists apply targeted treatments using the latest tools and environmentally responsible products. We treat interior and exterior zones, eliminate nests and harborage areas, and establish a protective barrier around your home.
Certified Local Expertise
Family-Focused Service
Guaranteed Results
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Homeowners Across East Texas Trust Critter Gitters
Science-Based Solutions, Never Guesswork
Science-Based Solutions, Never Guesswork
Reflects our belief that true pest control starts with understanding, not guessing. Drawn from our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) philosophy and “Precision Over Routine”.
Integrity-First Service, Always
Integrity-First Service, Always
We lead with honesty and reliability. At Critter Gitters, integrity means fair pricing, clear communication, and doing the job right the first time—every time.
Training That Exceeds Industry Standards
Training That Exceeds Industry Standards
Our technicians undergo continuous training that goes beyond industry requirements, ensuring every service is performed with expert knowledge, precision, and the latest pest control techniques.
Certified Expertise You Can Trust
Certified Expertise You Can Trust
Our team is fully licensed and certified, bringing proven expertise to every job. You can trust Critter Gitters for safe, professional, and effective pest control backed by years of experience.
Guaranteed Results — Or We’ll Make It Right
Guaranteed Results — Or We’ll Make It Right
Your satisfaction is our promise. If the covered pests come back, so will we – 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
Packages
Bundle and Save 10% when you add Mosquito Duo Defense or Lawn & Ornamental to any package.
Package Includes
Essential Plan
Essential
Proven protection for everyday peace of mind.
Elite Plan
Elite
Complete coverage. Ultimate peace of mind.
Ants (Argentine, Rover & Odorous House)
Roaches (Peridomestic species)
Spiders, Millipedes, Centipedes, Crickets, Earwigs, Silverfish, Ground Beetles, Pill Bugs, and other occasional invaders
Interior and exterior treatments every 3 months
Targeted crack, crevice, and perimeter applications
Web and wasp nest removal up to 15 ft
Guaranteed re-service between visits if pests return
Rodent monitoring and exterior bait stations
Wasp nest removal up to 30 ft
Fire Ant treatment up to 20,000 sq ft
Full Sentricon® Termite Monitoring System
Carpenter Ant treatment
Additional Services
Need more than standard pest control? Our advanced services deliver customized protection for complex infestations, long-term prevention, and total peace of mind.
- Termite Inspections / WDO Real Estate Reports
- Carpenter Ants
- Fire Ants
- German Roach Clean-out
- Fleas & Ticks
- Rodent Trapping & Exclusion
- Arbor Jet Tree Injections
- Scorpion Plan
- Termite Treatments (Termidor and Sentricon)
- Bed Bugs
- Invasive Bees
- Mosquitoes
- Wildlife Trapping & Exclusion
- Lawn & Ornamental
FAQ’s
Common Questions from Our Customers
What time of year are ants worst in Crockett, TX?
Ant activity peaks in April–June and again in September–October. Spring pressure is driven by new colony formation after the first warm rains. Fall activity picks up as colonies seek warmth before temperatures drop. Our quarterly service visits are timed to treat before each peak — not after you’re already dealing with an infestation.
Why do I keep getting ants even after treating myself?
Over-the-counter sprays kill the workers you can see but never reach the queen. Within days the colony produces new workers. Professional bait programs are transferred by workers to the queen, collapsing the colony from the inside. That’s the difference between a spray and an elimination.
Can ants cause structural damage?
Fire ants short out electrical equipment and sting repeatedly — painful and dangerous for children and pets. Carpenter ants actively hollow out moisture-damaged lumber. If you’re finding large black ants near wood framing, it’s worth having us inspect for both carpenter ants and termites at the same time.
Are your ant treatments safe for kids and pets?
Yes. We use EPA-registered products applied at labeled rates. We’ll let you know any re-entry intervals after treatment, which are typically minimal. Our technicians can walk you through exactly what we applied and when it’s safe to resume normal activity.
Do you treat fire ants separately from general pest control?
Yes. Fire ant treatment is available as a standalone broadcast service for your yard or bundled with our quarterly pest plan for comprehensive protection. Ask about the combination package when you call.
