How to Prevent Ants From Invading Your Home

Ant infestations can be prevented, but success depends on using effective strategies and maintaining them over time. Our comprehensive ant prevention guide offers practical advice to help you take control. Keep in mind that each infestation is unique. It’s important to assess your situation, identify the type of ant, and determine the reason behind the activity so that you can apply the most suitable methods or determine if professional pest control is the right step.

Where Are You Most Likely to Find Ants

Ants are typically drawn to food and water, though you may also notice them in less obvious areas. In most cases, they’re foraging to find sustenance for their nest. Here are some of the most common places where you’re likely to spot ants in and around your home:

• Windows
• Door Frames
• Dining Rooms
• Kitchens
• Air Vents
• Bathrooms (near toilets, sinks, and tubs)
• Along the edges of the ceiling, floor boards, and baseboards

How to Prevent Ants in Your Home

Once ants move in, getting rid of them can feel like a losing battle. That’s why it’s smarter to keep them out to begin with. Try these easy tips to stop them before they start:

Keep Areas Clean and Tidy

One of the easiest ways to stop ants is by keeping things tidy. If they can’t find anything to eat, they’ll head somewhere else. Be especially mindful of the following:

• Cleanliness: Keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs.
• Surfaces: Regularly wipe down countertops and sweep the floors. Cleaning with soapy water also helps erase ant pheromone trails.
• Food Storage: Store all loose or opened food in sealed, airtight containers.
• Fruit: Refrigerate ripe fruit instead of leaving it out.
• Trash: Take out the trash often and use garbage cans with secure, tight-fitting lids.
• Pet Bowls: Ants are attracted to leftover pet food, so be sure to remove bowls once your pets are done eating or drinking.

Seal Up Your Home

Ants are persistent, and once they find a way in, they’ll continue to return. Sealing all entry points, like cracks and crevices, is essential to stop them. The following actions are important:

• Windows & Doors: Double-check all windows and doors. Apply weatherstripping to seal any gaps where ants might enter.
• Screens: Think about installing screens to block ants from getting in.
• Exterior Inspections: Regularly inspect the exterior of your home for cracks or potential entry points, and seal any you find.

Landscaping and Yard Maintenance

Where do ants come from? In most cases, they come from your yard. Keeping your yard and landscaping clean is key to preventing ants from entering your home. Here are some effective ways to stop ants from making their way from your yard into your home:

• Trim Trees & Shrubs: Ants can enter through trees and shrubs, so trim any branches or plants that are too close to your house.
• Control Drainage: Ensure proper drainage and avoid standing water, as moisture attracts ants. Keeping your yard dry can help reduce its presence.
• Manage Yard Waste: Dispose of fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris in a compost bin to prevent creating potential nesting sites for ants.
• Mulch Alternatives: Avoid using natural mulch like pine straw near buildings. Consider using stone or lava rock as a more effective alternative.
• Store Firewood Properly: Keep firewood stored away from your home to reduce the risk of ants, as well as termites.

Avoid Excess Moisture in the Home

Ants thrive in damp environments, so it’s important to remove excess moisture indoors. Fix leaks promptly, particularly in the kitchen, bathroom, and basement. Here are some simple ways to prevent excess moisture from building up in your home:

• Fix Leaks: Repair any leaky pipes and regularly inspect under sinks for moisture. If you notice unexpected dampness, investigate the source.
• Use a Dehumidifier: Place a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces to reduce moisture.
• Maintain Gutters & Downspouts: Ensure your downspouts and gutters are working properly to prevent water buildup around your home.

How to Keep Ants Away Naturally

Natural ant prevention is possible, but it’s much more challenging. We don’t recommend using all-natural methods if you already have an infestation, as they’re unlikely to be strong enough to fully eliminate the problem. Here are some natural methods you can try to keep ants away from your home:

Essential Oils

Essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, and citrus oils (like lemon or orange) can act as a temporary deterrent for ants. Mix a few drops of the oil with water in a spray bottle, and then spray it in areas where you see ants entering or gathering.

Vinegar

Vinegar serves as a natural repellent for ants. Its strong scent disrupts their scent trails, confusing them and hindering their movement. To use, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and apply it to areas with visible ant activity.

Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds can be sprinkled around your home’s entry points, along ant trails, or near the perimeter to discourage ants. While effective, some people may not like the appearance of coffee grounds around their home and prefer seeking professional pest control help.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a non-toxic option for controlling ants around the house. This fine powder, made from the fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic creatures, works by dehydrating ants on contact. Be sure to choose food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is safe for both pets and humans. If ants continue to return, it may indicate a larger infestation, in which case you should consult a professional.

Do Perimeter Treatments Prevent Ants?

Perimeter treatments are commonly used by professionals, based on the nature and severity of your ant problem.

Perimeter treatments use targeted insecticides, repellents, or bait stations applied around the foundation, entry points, and high-risk areas to block ants from entering. These products not only eliminate existing ants but also help prevent new colonies from moving in. With regular application, perimeter treatments greatly reduce the risk of ants and other pests getting inside.

Are Regular Inspections Important to Prevent Ants?

Regular inspections are a vital part of ant prevention. Take time to examine your home for structural openings and moisture that could attract ants.

If you want added reassurance, consider having our ant control professionals conduct a thorough inspection. Routine visits help monitor ant activity and apply treatments as needed. Book your appointment today! At Bug Out, we’re experts in ant prevention and control, no matter the species. Whether you’re facing ants now or trying to prevent a future problem, we’ve got you covered.