Ants in the home: Where are they coming from?

Estimations show that there about 1 million ants for each human in the world, so you’re sure to come across one at some point. There is no need to go running away after seeing a couple of ants in passing, but when large groups of them are entering your home, you should do something about it. Take a look at our infographic to discover where ants could be hiding in your home.

1. Bathroom

What do you get when you put a sink, a toilet, and a shower or bathtub in one room together? A lot of moisture! Ants need moisture to survive, so a room like this is perfect for them. Moisture in a bathroom is inevitable, but there are things you can do to reduce its accessibility. Check to make sure there are no water leaks around the pipes or faucets. Fragrant shampoos, soaps, and lotions may also attract ants, so keep bottles sealed and do not leave residue behind.

2. Bedroom

The best way to keep ants out of your bedroom is to keep food and sugary drinks out too. Ants will come looking for it. Also, if the screens or weather stripping on your windows are damaged, ants can easily enter from outside.

3. Potted Plants

Your potted plants may also be harboring ants, but this could be a sign that you have a different pest problem altogether. Ants will make a meal of other pests that are often found in potted plants, like aphids and mealybugs. Make sure to select an ant control method that does not harm your plant. A Western Exterminator pest specialist can help you with this.

4. Kitchen

You probably suspected this room would make the list. Ants love kitchens because food is everywhere!  Crumbs can easily be left behind and sticky spots can go unnoticed, creating a veritable ant feast. To lessen the possibility of ants taking up residence in your kitchen, dispose of any overripe fruit you might have on your counter and clean up spills right away. Leaving pet food out overnight may also attract ants. Additionally, when the sink pools moisture, these thirsty pests will come running.

5. Basement

Ants, especially pavement ants, will enter basements and crawlspaces through cracks in the foundation. An in-ground level is often a moist environment purely by nature, which is of particular interest to ants. You may want to put a dehumidifier in your basement or crawlspace if it routinely has a significant amount of moisture.

If you’re seeing ants in your home, give Western a call at 800-937-8398. Using only DIY products, it can be incredibly difficult to get rid of ants. The ant control experts at Western Exterminator will not only get rid of them for good, but will give you advice on how to prevent ants from coming back.

To learn more about ants, check out 10 Interesting Facts About Ants You Need to Know and Fire Ants in Your House: What You Need to Know.