Five Top Reasons Ants Will Enter Your House
Spotting ants along the kitchen counter may be a common occurrence. However, the presence of ants can make you worry about your home’s cleanliness and the possible itches you may go through due to ant bites. But before you plan to fight the species of ants in your house, you must know what is attracting them indoors. Also, if you have a serious ant infestation, contact us for pest control services. Below are common reasons ants can enter your home:
Leftover Food
Ants need food to survive. They may find their way into your home due to the leftover food they have been able to smell from a distance. Ants are constantly looking for food to feed their colony. The more food you have left out, the higher the odds of ants entering your house. To get rid of ants in your pantry or kitchen, clean spills and crumbs regularly. Also, store food in sealed containers and place your fruits and veggies in the refrigerator. Lastly, wipe down bottles, stovetops, and jam or syrup containers. Usually, ants are attracted to substances that have high amounts of lipids and sugars.
Door and Window Cracks
Ants can still enter your home through window and door holes or cracks. Usually, such tiny openings may not be visible, but ants can easily squeeze their bodies through them. Because of wear and tear, older windows can develop cracks around their edges. So, make sure to reseal them and their frames to block off unwanted guests.
In addition, doors can also develop holes and cracks that ants can use to access your living space. To prevent entry, seal the bottle of your doors and insulate the frames from the elements. Lastly, keep your doors closed as leaving them open for a long time will expose your home’s interior to the elements and welcome ants to your abode.
Plants and Trees
Some ants rely on honeydew for survival. Thus, any plants near your house can be a perfect pathway for ants to enter your house. Also, species like carpenter ants thrive on stumps and decaying logs that can be found in big trees. If such trees are planted near your house, it can be susceptible to ant infestations. When stocking up woodpiles for the colder months, ensure they are placed away from your house. also, you can prevent ants from invading your house through your garden. Plant crops like lavender, peppermint, or rosemary because they can deter ants.
Time of Year
In winter, ants want to enjoy your home’s warm confines. Regardless of the season, these pests will have reasons to stay inside your house. In the hotter months of the year, they are more active because of the pollination seasons and the blossoming of plants and trees. In fall, ants are drawn to decaying leaves and wood. Thus, rake the debris away from your house and dispose of decaying wood and fallen tree branches.
Plumbing Leaks
Ants can be drawn to your house because of leaking faucets and pipes. Usually, they migrate towards your home’s lingering damp areas to find water for survival. To fight thins, check your sinks and toilets regularly for leaks and make sure the doors and windows are closed during rainy days and when it snows. In addition, install a dehumidifier to get rid of excess air moisture.
In some instances, even if you have done everything to control ant populations, they can still find their way into your house. Despite their size, ants are smart, hard-working creatures that are determined to get to a food source they discover. Because of the difficulty in eliminating ants, it is best to let a pest control team handle an infestation for you.
