How to Get Rid of Ants in the House: A Comprehensive Guide

If you want to get rid of ants in your house or ants in your pants we’ve got you covered!  Actually I’m not too sure about the ants in the pants though.  Ants are a very common household pests, and their presence can quickly turn from a nuisance to a significant infestation. While they play a vital role in the ecosystem, their intrusion into our homes can lead to various problems, including contamination of food and potential damage to property.   Some of them are just pests and make a mess!  In this article, we’ll explore effective methods for getting rid of ants in your house, preventive measures to keep them out, and how to manage an infestation sustainably.

Understanding Ant Behavior

Before diving into methods for elimination, it’s essential to understand why ants invade our homes. Ants are social insects that thrive in colonies, which can range from a few dozen to millions of individuals. They enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter, often following scent (pheromone) trails laid by other ants. Identifying the type of ant you’re dealing with can be beneficial, as different species may require different treatment strategies.

Common Household Ants

1. Sugar Ants: Attracted to sugary substances like sodas and usually wander the countertops.
2. Pavement Ants: Typically nest outside but may enter homes in search of food.
3. Odorous House Ants: Produce a distinctive odor when crushed and are often found near food sources.
4. Fire Ants: Known for their painful stings, they can be aggressive and need immediate attention.
5. Carpenter Ants: Wood-destroying ants that can cause structural damage to your house.

Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminate Ants

1. Identify the Source

The first step in controlling an ant infestation is to locate the source. Observe their movements to find where they’re entering your home. Look for trails and entry points such as cracks in walls, windows, weep holes, and doors. This will help you target your efforts more effectively.  Also check for tree limbs or shrubs touching the house providing access points for the ants.  If you need help with identification you can always email or text us a picture so we can help!

2. Clean Up Food Sources

Ants are attracted to food, so eliminating access to it is crucial:

• Seal Food: Store food in airtight containers and refrigerate perishables.
• Clean Spills and Crumbs: Wipe down countertops, tables, and floors regularly to remove any food residues.
• Take Out the Trash: Dispose of garbage regularly, ensuring that bins are sealed tightly.

3. Use Natural Deterrents

Before resorting to chemicals, try natural remedies to deter ants:

• Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to entry points and trails. The strong smell disrupts their scent trails.  It can also be applied to drains to help eliminate breeding grounds for other insects like drain flies.
• Citrus Peels: Place citrus peels around entry points; ants dislike the smell of citrus.
• Essential Oils: Essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil can be effective. Mix a few drops with water and spray it around the house.
• Diatomateous Earth: A powdery substance that can be applied around the house to cause silica-like cuts in the ants bodies causing them to dry out and perish.  Can be applied in a bead around entrances or the entire foundation.

4. Set Up Baits

If natural methods fail, consider using ant baits. These are often more effective than sprays because they target the entire colony:

• Choose the Right Bait: Different baits work for different species. Sugar-based baits work for sweet-toothed ants, while protein-based baits are more effective for those that prefer protein. Some ants change their tastes based on their needs for that season or time of year.
• Types of Baits: Generally gel baits are sweeter for ants coming in for sugar or moisture.  Granular baits are for ants coming after carbohydrate or grease food sources.  Some ants like carpenter ants tend to prefer granular baits almost all the time.
• Placement: Place baits near ant trails but away from children and pets. The ants will carry the bait back to their nest, ultimately killing the colony.  This usually takes a few weeks since most baits are slow-acting so the ant has time to return to the colony to share before it dies.

5. Seal Entry Points

Once you’ve started to eliminate the ants, focus on preventing future infestations:

• Seal Cracks and Crevices: Use caulk to seal any openings around doors, windows, and the foundation of your home.  Fine copper mesh can be applied to weep holes to keep ants from entering.  Check window drain holes also as that is a common entry point.
• Install Screens: Make sure windows and vents are equipped with screens to keep ants out.
• Maintain Your Yard: Keep plants and debris away from the foundation to reduce potential nesting sites.

6. Monitor and Maintain

After taking steps to eliminate the ants, it’s important to monitor the situation:

• Regular Inspections: Check areas where you previously noticed ants and inspect for any signs of new activity.
• Continue Cleaning: Maintain a clean environment to reduce attractants.
• Reapply Natural Deterrents: Regularly spray natural deterrents around potential entry points.

When to Call a Professional

If your efforts to eliminate ants are unsuccessful, or if you’re dealing with a severe infestation, it may be time to call in pest control professionals. They have access to more effective and longer lasting treatments and can provide a thorough inspection of your home to identify and eliminate the problem.  Most (but not all) of the ant problems I encounter can be remedied with one treatment.  Plus I have a truck full of all the goodies they like to eat and share with their colony!

Preventive Measures

To avoid future ant problems, consider implementing these preventive strategies:

• Regular Cleaning: Keep your kitchen and dining areas free of food debris.  Take trash out of the house regularly.
• Store Firewood Properly: If you have firewood, store it away from your home to reduce nesting sites for ants.
• Landscape Wisely: Avoid planting trees and shrubs too close to your home, as they can provide pathways for ants.
• Remove Attractants:  Cat food and hummingbird nectar will draw ants towards your house and should be kept as far away as possible.  I always recommend my customers hang hummingbird feeders on its own post in the yard instead of mounting them to the eaves of the house because they ants will always find them.

Getting rid of ants in your house requires a combination of observation, cleanliness, and strategic application of treatments. By understanding their behavior and taking proactive measures, you can effectively manage and prevent ant infestations. Whether you opt for natural remedies or professional help, persistence is key.  Be sure to give us a call if you need help eliminating your ants problems!