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.

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.