Why Is My Home Infested With Ants?

Having an ant infestation can be a major nuisance! Uninvited little critters scurrying around your kitchen, bathroom, and even bedroom can make it hard to keep your home clean and comfortable. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why is my home infested with ants?” then you may have come to the right place for answers.

Outdoor nests

Ants often build their nests outside your home, and if they find a way into your home, they will continue to come back until you get rid of the nest. To prevent ants from building nests near your home, keep your yard tidy and debris-free. Trim back any trees or shrubs touching your home, and ensure your garbage cans are sealed tightly.

Food sources

Ants are constantly on the hunt for food, and even the smallest crumbs can attract them to your home. They have an incredible sense of smell that can detect food from far away. This means that if you leave any kind of food out on your kitchen counters or floors, it's likely to draw ants into your home. Additionally, dirty dishes left in the sink or garbage cans that aren't properly sealed can also invite ant infestations. Also, it's important to remember that not all foods attract ants equally; some foods are more attractive than others.

Water sources

Like all living creatures, ants need water to survive. Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and even condensation from your air conditioning unit can provide a water source for ants. To prevent ants from finding a water source in your home, fix any leaks or drips as soon as you notice them. You can also use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in your home and prevent condensation from forming.

Cracks and gaps

While there are many reasons why ant invasions might happen, one of the most common is cracks and gaps in the structure of the house. Ants are tiny creatures that can easily fit through small openings in walls, floors, ceilings, or even under doorsills. Once they find their way inside your home, they create pathways to food sources such as crumbs on countertops or spilled liquids on floors. The more access points there are for ants to enter your home, the greater chance of an infestation occurring. Cracks and gaps also provide ideal shelter for ants to build their nests.

Scent trails

Ants use scent trails to find their way to food sources, and once they find a food source in your home, they will continue to come back until the food source is gone. To prevent ants from using scent trails to find their way to your home, immediately clean up any spills or crumbs.

What if I already have ants in my home?

If you already have an ant infestation in your home, you can try several DIY solutions to get rid of them.

• Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is an effective natural ant repellent that can be used to deter ants from entering your home. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it on areas where you have seen ants, such as windowsills, doorways, and countertops.

• Borax Solution

Borax is a natural ant killer that can eliminate entire ant colonies. Mix one part borax with three parts sugar and place the mixture in areas where you have seen ant activity. The sugar will attract the ants, and the borax will poison them. Keep the mixture away from children and pets, as it can be toxic if ingested.

• Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth, a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms, is a natural ant killer! Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where you have seen ant activity, such as windowsills, doorways, and countertops. The powder will stick to the ants' bodies and dehydrate them, killing them in the process.

• Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a natural ant repellent that can keep ants out of your home. Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint oil with two cups of water in a spray bottle and spray it on areas where you have seen ant activity. The smell of the peppermint oil will repel the ants and keep them from entering your home.

Ant infestations can be a complex issue to tackle on your own. Taking the necessary steps to ward off ants and prevent them from returning is essential. If you find yourself overwhelmed by an ant infestation in your home, consider calling a professional pest control service like ECPC; we can help you feel comfortable in your pest-free home again.