Unearthing the Reasons Why Some Homes Attract Ants

Ants invade homes in huge numbers, and an infestation is hard to eliminate without the help of a professional pest control service. 

Ants are tiny and highly mobile pests that infest homes and can become a significant nuisance, especially in the warmer months. It is disturbing and frustrating for a homeowner to see a line of ants marching on the wall, floor, or windowsill. Ants invade homes in huge numbers, and an infestation is hard to eliminate without the help of a professional pest control service. 

Ants can enter homes even from a minuscule crack. Besides being an annoyance, ants can spread bacteria, bite, contaminate food, cause structural and insulation damage, and in some cases lead to allergic reactions. Experts advise nipping an ant infestation in the bud to avoid damaging the property and its contents.

Learning about what attracts ants to the home can help keep these pests at bay and prevent potential damage. Let's consider a few reasons that may cause ants to invade homes:

Food

Food is the primary thing that attracts ants. Ants particularly love sweet, sugary, and starchy foods available in most kitchen pantries. Ants can also eat plant sap, dead insects, meats, vegetables, and fruits. They are also attracted to food scraps, spills, and incorrectly stored food in the home. Another common source of food for ants in a home is garbage. The pungent smell emitted by food scraps can attract ants. 

Stable temperatures

During bad weather, ants may invade the house looking for shelter from the hot, wet, or cold weather. Ants do not prefer extreme temperatures and will always look for a haven. Outdoor weather plays a critical role in boosting the ant infestation in homes.

Moisture

Ants love a damp environment. A readily available water source also attracts ants. Dripping water from plumbing leaks, standing water in the yard, rotten wood, damaged roof, condensation, and excess moisture inside the home is perfect to attract ants. Ants are commonly found in high-moisture areas such as under tiles or kitchen sinks, basements, and bathrooms. 

Nesting space

Ants need a safe nesting place to reproduce. Wood is the ideal place to nest for carpenter ants. Other ants may find the foundation, home's walls, cupboards, and baseboards suitable for nesting. Any safe place inside the house that allows ants to build a nest will attract them. Easy entry points like cracks near a door or window are often blamed for ants making their way into the home. After entering, they slowly start to form colonies.

Ways to prevent ants from entering homes

Here are a few steps homeowners can take to make their homes less attractive for ants:

  • Eliminate any water source and fix leaks

  • Seal all vulnerable entry points

  • Keep areas in and around the home properly clean. Wipe down the dirty surfaces, regularly sweep and vacuum, and clean dirty dishes

  • Store all food (including pet food) in secure, airtight containers

  • Place tight-fitting lids on the trash can and empty them regularly.

Keep the property pest-free

There are several ant species in the US, including carpenter ants, pavement ants, fire ants, odorous house ants, Pharaoh ants, and Argentine ants. If there's an ant infestation, a pest control service professional can determine which type of ant has infested the home and suggest suitable measures for their eradication.

Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!

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