How are ants entering your home?

With nearly 1,000 known species of ants in North America, you’re bound to run into one or two in your home. Seeing a couple in passing may not alarm you, but when they’re coming into your house in droves, it’s easy to panic. Check out our infographic to find out where ants might be entering your home.

What attracts ants?

Ants are constantly on the lookout for food, water, and shelter, and your home can provide all three in abundance. One of the biggest draws for ants is food. Whether it's a few crumbs on the counter, an uncovered sugar bowl, or leftover pet food, ants have a keen sense of smell and will follow the scent trail directly to these sources. Even a small amount of food residue is enough to attract a whole colony. Understanding the types of ants invading your home can also help determine the most effective way to address the infestation.

Moisture is another major factor that draws ants indoors. Leaky pipes, pooled water around sinks, or even damp areas in your basement create an ideal environment for ants to thrive. Many species are especially drawn to moisture because it’s vital for their survival, particularly in drier climates or during hot weather.

Lastly, ants are opportunists when it comes to finding shelter. Cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows, and doors that don’t seal properly all serve as easy access points for ants to enter your home. Once inside, they’ll set up their colonies in dark, undisturbed areas like inside walls, basements, or crawlspaces, especially if those spaces provide a consistent source of food and moisture.

1. Bathroom

The biggest attractant for ants in the bathroom is moisture. In a room with a sink, toilet, and maybe a shower or bathtub, there is plenty of that to go around. From time to time, take a close look around to ensure that there are no water leaks. Ants may also be attracted to sweet-smelling shampoos, soaps, and lotions. Keep them sealed, and wipe up any spills, especially in drawers.

2. Bedrooms and windows

Your best bet for keeping ants out of the bedroom is to refrain from bringing food or sugary drinks in. Damaged window screens and weather stripping can also allow entrance into the home from outdoors.

3. Houseplants

If you see ants in your houseplants, this is likely a sign of a different pest problem. Ants feed on other potted plant pests such as aphids and mealybugs. In an effort to eliminate the ants, be careful not to harm the plant.

4. Kitchen

Of all of these locations in your home where ants like to hide, the kitchen is probably the most expected. With food passing through at all times of the day, it is easy to leave a few crumbs or a sticky spot behind. Those crumbs and sticky spots turn into a feast for ants. Make sure to clean up any spills, throw away overripe fruit, and refrain from leaving pet food out for an extended period of time. Additionally, any moisture that pools in and around the sink may attract ants in their need for moisture.

5. Basements and Crawlspaces

Cracks in the foundation provide points of entry for ants, especially pavement ants. They are particularly interested in doing so if there is a moist environment on the other side of the wall from which they can get the moisture necessary for their survival. Consider using a dehumidifier in your basement or crawlspace if it is significantly humid.

Not sure how ants are entering your home? Give Ehrlich a call at 888-984-0186. It can be very difficult to completely eliminate an ant infestation with DIY products alone. The Ehrlich ant control experts have the experience and knowledge to make your ant problem a thing of the past.

What do you do if you find ants in your home?

If you spot ants in your home, the first step is to clean up any potential food or water sources. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and make sure all food is stored in airtight containers. Fix any leaky pipes or areas with excess moisture, as ants are often drawn to water. Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and your home's foundation to block their entry points.

While these steps can help reduce the number of ants, it’s often difficult to fully eliminate an infestation on your own. Ant colonies can be hidden in hard-to-reach places, and DIY treatments may only offer a temporary solution. To help rid your home of ants, it’s best to contact us today. Our ant control experts can identify the type of ant, find the colony, and apply targeted treatments to ensure the problem doesn’t return. If you're dealing with ants, contact Ehrlich today for fast, effective solutions.