I found a GIANT Black Ant, should I get someone in to exterminate?

I am so scared. I hate those huge ants. Should I get someone in to spray or wait to see if I see more

It is that time of year.
Giant black ants are usually carpenter ants.
Exterminators charge extra for these.
I read once on the internet, if you see less than five in one space, they most likely came from outside looking for food.
Only if you see more than five, get professional help because their nest might be inside.

I had a gazillion (it looked like the wall was moving there were so many) when I moved in this time last year. I went and bought tons of ant traps and put them all over, esp in the cabinets, under the stove, under the dishwasher, on top of the cabinets (we have open space between our cabinents and ceilings), under the frig, etc.

For us I think it was the fact that the previous owners had food laying around all over. I had to clean/vacuum all the cabinents and under the appliances with ammonia and hot water. Once I did that and laid the traps they slowing disappeared. This year I've only seen one and I think it came in off a bag I laid on the ground when unlocking the door.

Good luck. DOn't spend the extra money until you try that (its much cheaper!)

I heard the other day that ants won't cross a chalk line....so if you see them coming in through a particular area, draw a line with some chalk and it should take care of them.

not sure if it works - it's what i heard

I don't know how credible this is, but it just came today in my company's 'Friday Newsletter'

Got ants?
Sprinkle baby powder in and around visible entry points and along doorways and
windowsills. The ants won't cross the powder and it'll make your whole house
smell fresh!!

Im not sure if those tips work for the big black bulbous ants. They make me sick. Last year we had those big black ants and the exterminator came and put 3 bait traps with food for them. The food was poison and they came and ate it. The next day - if you can stomach this (I barely could) - they were all over the place. Lots of them. And by that night they were gone and we never saw them again. He put the food is a few out of reach places and it was really just for a day b/c he told us to throw it out after that, we wouldnt need it. I was preggo and had Lukie too so I didnt want to do anything else but he said we didnt need to. It was amazing. I hate anything that crawls and it freaks me to see even one bug of any kind. And it was cheap, I think he charged us $20 - and he sprayed outside too, that helps as well. But I'd definitely wait to see any others. Like someone said it could have come in on a bag or newspaper.

i agree - just wait and see if you spot any others (i have perfect vision when it comes to spotting bugs of any size!) - the one could have been a flook....we just found termites, although we had no idea thats what they were at the time and got a contract for terminix to do pest control yr round (they come four times and put things in the ground) plus if we see any type of nest on our house or the decks, they will take care of it for us.....but you might need all this yet!

Well, so far so good. I have only seen that 1 so far.