Ants are a common household nuisance which can be frustrating to deal with. Understanding why ants enter your home is the first step in preventing and controlling an infestation. As professional ant exterminators in North Carolina, Bug Out have identified the main reasons ants might be making their way into your house. Read on to learn more about what attracts them to your home and how to get rid of ants effectively.
Why Do Ants Enter Your Property – The 10 Main Reasons
1. Food Sources
Ants are constantly on the lookout for food. Even the smallest crumbs or food residue can attract them, especially sugary substances and greasy foods. To prevent ants from entering your home, it’s crucial to keep your kitchen and dining areas clean and free of food debris. Stored food can also be a major attraction, so it’s important to keep food – including pet food – in sealed containers.
2. Water Availability
Like all living creatures, ants need water to survive. Leaky faucets or pipes, standing water, and even condensation can provide ants with the moisture they need. Proper ventilation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, will make your home less attractive to ants.
3. Shelter and Nesting Sites
Ants seek out sheltered areas to build their nests. Your home offers numerous potential nesting sites, from wall cavities to basements and attics. Sealing cracks and crevices around your home can help deter ants from finding a suitable nesting spot inside.
4. Entry Points
Ants can enter your home through tiny cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and foundations. Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal them with caulk or weather stripping. This is an effective way to prevent ants from gaining access to your living space.
5. Temperature Regulation
Ants are sensitive to temperature changes and often seek shelter indoors to escape extreme weather conditions. In colder months, they may enter your home in search of warmth, while in hot weather, they might be looking for a cooler environment. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature can help reduce the likelihood of ants seeking refuge inside.
6. Pets
Pet food and food residue can attract ants. Ensure that pet food bowls are cleaned regularly and any spilled food is promptly cleaned up.
7. Outdoor Vegetation
Overgrown vegetation and trees that touch your home can provide a bridge for ants to enter. Regularly trim trees and bushes to ensure they do not come into direct contact with your house. This will reduce the pathways ants can use to access your home.
8. Garbage and Compost
Improperly stored garbage and compost can attract ants. Use sealed garbage bins and keep compost areas away from your home. Regularly dispose of garbage and maintain cleanliness around trash areas to deter ants from coming close to your living space.
9. Previous Infestations
If your home has had previous ant infestations, it might still have lingering pheromones that attract new ants—clean areas where ants have been spotted thoroughly and use ant deterrents to remove ant pheromone trails.
10. Proximity to Ant Colonies
If your home is located near an ant colony, there is a higher chance of ants entering your house. Regular inspections by professional ant exterminators can help identify and treat nearby colonies, reducing the risk of ants invading your home.
Ways to Keep Ants Away from Your Property
As discussed above, to deter ants start by maintaining a clean home, especially in the kitchen and dining areas. Regularly wipe down surfaces, vacuum floors, and store food in sealed containers to eliminate potential food sources. Address any moisture issues by fixing leaks and keeping damp areas dry. Inspect your home for possible ant entry points such as cracks in doors, windows, and the foundation, and seal them with caulk or weather stripping. Regularly trim trees and bushes that touch your home, and ensure that garbage and compost areas are well-managed and kept clean. Natural repellents like vinegar, lemon juice, and essential oils can deter ants; use a mixture of water and vinegar to wipe down surfaces or apply essential oils like peppermint and tea tree oil in problem areas.
How to Get Rid of Ants
There are two main methods of ant control: spraying and insecticide powder. For persistent or severe infestations, it is best to hire professional ant exterminators who have the expertise to apply the correct method safely and effectively.
Spraying for Ants – Spray can be used on nesting sites and entry points, as well as travel paths and as a barrier treatment around the property. Whilst typically used for yard treatments, it can be used inside properties if appropriate.
Insecticide Powder for Ants – Powder, or dust, is mainly used in interior areas, in cracks and crevices as well as in sensitive areas such as around electrical cabling. The ants collect dust particles and take them back to the nest, killing others in the colony.
Conclusion
Understanding the reasons why ants enter your house is the first step in preventing and controlling infestations. By maintaining cleanliness, eliminating moisture, sealing entry points, and using effective control methods, you can protect your home from ants.