Ant infestations are a common household problem, particularly during the spring and summer, that can quickly escalate if not addressed. Whether it’s a trail of ants in your kitchen or colonies near your foundation, these tiny invaders can damage property, contaminate food, and disrupt your home. Understanding the causes, signs, and best methods to eliminate ants is crucial for keeping your home pest-free. Additionally, since there are various types of ants, each ant comes with different nesting habits, food preferences, and dangers. Because of this, it is important to be aware of some of the most common ants, how to avoid them, and when to call in a professional ant exterminator to tackle the invasion.
What is an Ant Infestation?
Ants can find their way into your home through even the tiniest of cracks. Depending on the ant, they are often in search of food or moisture for their survival, which is the reason why many ant infestations are found in kitchens and bathrooms. However, ants can ultimately make their way into any part of your home, including deep within its structure, as they search for food and a place to nest.
All ants produce scent chemicals called pheromones, which ants use for communicating with each other and for making trails. This pheromone trail leads other ants from the colony into your home, thus becoming the catalyst of an ant invasion as more and more ants follow the trail. If you begin seeing ants regularly in your home, it may be the start of an ant infestation, which should be acted upon in a timely manner to avoid the nuisance and costs to address the infestation. To help mitigate an infestation, then address the following thing that attract ants.
- Food Sources: Crumbs, spills, or unsealed containers.
- Moisture: Leaky pipes, damp areas, or condensation.
- Entry Points: Cracks, gaps, or poorly sealed windows and doors.
Which Ants Might Cause an Ant Problem in Your House?
We’ll start with the ant that could cause the most damage to your home, the carpenter ant. When carpenter ants invade, they tunnel and nest in the wood structures of your home. This can cause weakness and damage, which can ultimately put the structural integrity of your home in jeopardy. Not only does the damage caused by these tiny pests pose a safety risk within your home, but it can also lead to costly damage.
Another common type of ant that may cause an ant infestation in your house is sugar ants. Sugar ants, although they may not inflict as much damage, are quite a nuisance when they find their way into your home. A sugar ant infestation in your house would usually begin in the kitchen, as they like to feed on sweet foods, proteins, and fats.
Whether a carpenter, sugar, or other type of ant, knowing these various types of ants can aid in identifying why your home is attracting these pests and possible solutions to your infestation.
How to Avoid an Ant Infestation in Your House
There are a few steps that you can take to avoid an ant invasion in your home. Many ants enter homes as they search for food and water, which unfortunately leads them into our kitchens from time to time. This leads us to tip number one to avoiding an ant invasion, which is to keep food and water away from these pests’ reach. This could include regularly cleaning out cabinets, keeping food in airtight containers, and eliminating water sources when possible (such as pet water bowls and leaky pipes).
A second tip to avoid an ant problem in your house is by ensuring your home is free of rotting or moisture-ridden wood. For example, carpenter ants seek out these conditions and can wreak havoc on your home. To avoid the nuisance and costly damage this could cause, it is important to prevent these conditions in your home and take action when it is identified.
Here are some additional tips for avoiding an ant infestation in your house:
- Sweep and vacuum your home regularly
- Seal off any cracks or potential entrances to your home
- Keep garbage lids closed
- Remove and replace wood that has been previously infested by ants
Other Common FAQs About Ant Infestations
What are the most common types of ants found in homes?
The most common indoor ants are carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants. Each type has unique behaviors and requires different control methods.
Why do ants keep coming back even after I clean?
Ants may continue to return if pheromone trails are not disrupted. Wiping surfaces with a vinegar solution can help break these trails.
How can I tell if I have carpenter ants or termites?
Carpenter ants are larger and do not eat wood, but they tunnel through it to create nests. Termites eat wood and leave behind mud tubes. For more, learn about the difference between carpenter ants and termites or contact an experienced pest control team to confirm the type of pest.
Are natural remedies effective for getting rid of ants?
Natural remedies like essential oils, vinegar, and diatomaceous earth can deter ants, but severe infestations may require professional treatment.
How to keep ants out of the kitchen?
Ants are relentless when it comes to finding food, and the kitchen is one of their favorite places to invade. Keeping ants out of the pantry and kitchen starts with eliminating what attracts them—crumbs, spills, and easy access to food. Regular cleaning, sealing entry points, and storing food in airtight containers are crucial first steps. Additionally, inspect areas like countertops, sinks, and pantry shelves for signs of ants or the sugary and greasy residues they’re drawn to.
To go further, use natural deterrents such as white vinegar or essential oils. Wiping down surfaces with a vinegar solution not only cleans but also removes the scent trails ants use to communicate. For long-term prevention, focus on blocking their entry points with caulk or weather stripping and maintain a routine of wiping down kitchen surfaces after every meal.
How to Get Rid of an Ant Infestation
When avoiding an ant problem in your home fails it is important to take action quickly. When an ant invasion does end up occurring in your home, DIY approaches may treat the current ant trail, but typically will not address the underlying infestation. To help get rid of an ant infestation, then some high-level tips should address some of the issues.
- Clean Thoroughly: Remove crumbs, spills, and grease from surfaces.
- Seal Entry Points: Use caulk to close cracks and gaps.
- Natural Remedies: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth or use essential oils like peppermint or tea tree.
- Professional Treatments: For persistent infestations, contact a pest control expert like Eliminate ‘Em.
While DIY methods can provide temporary relief, a persistent ant infestation often requires the expertise of a professional pest control company. At Eliminate ‘Em, we specialize in safe, effective, and long-lasting ant control solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our trained technicians use advanced techniques to locate and eliminate ant colonies at their source, preventing further invasions. From identifying hard-to-find nests to sealing entry points and applying eco-friendly treatments, we ensure your home is ant-free and protected for the long term. With 24/7 availability and a commitment to exceptional customer service, Eliminate ‘Em provides fast, reliable ant extermination and other pest control services throughout Connecticut and parts of New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island to keep your home clean, safe, and pest-free.
