14 Things That Invite Ants Into Your Home

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Ants are a common household pest that can cause frustration and damage to your home. These tiny insects come from nowhere and take over your kitchen and other areas. While ants can be challenging to eliminate, the first step to keeping them away is knowing what they are after.

This post outlines 14 things that might attract ants to your home and how you can deter these annoying pests from coming into your living area.

Food Crumbs

Food search is one of the major reasons why ants enter our houses. These minute insects have a potent sense of smell and are drawn by sweet, greasy, or sugary foods. Clean up spills quickly so they are not attracted, and wash down counters regularly to combat those food crumbs that can entice ants.

Unsealed Food Containers

Ants love unsealed food containers, such as open bags of chips or cereal and jars or containers with improperly closed lids. Being very sensitive to smell, they can readily find these food sources and will soon move into your pantry if they are left unsealed. Ensure all your food containers have tight lids and are kept in a sealed container.

Standing Water

Ants are insects; like all life forms, they require water to survive. A leaky faucet, a wet basement, or even the pet bowl sitting around too long might be the cause. Find and fix leaks quickly to prevent ants from being drawn to their water sources.

Pet Food

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Ants are also attracted to pet food. If you leave your pet’s food out, it will quickly become a food source for ants. Feed your pet at the exact times every day, and pick up any uneaten food as soon as your pet is done eating.

Cracks and Crevices

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Ants are small creatures that can be a hassle to get into your home through cracks and crevices in the base, windows, and doors. When protecting your home, seal any gaps or openings that may be the perfect entry point for ants.

Garbage

Leftover food scraps make garbage a rich source of food for ants. Remember to take the trash out often and secure the lid. In addition, keep your trash cans some distance from the front door and areas where those pests can travel.

Dirty Dishes

Do not leave dirty dishes out. Ensure a thorough cleanup immediately follows meals and that your dishes/utensils are washed and removed. Do not leave your dishes in the sink overnight, as this can set off an alarm for ants and give them a beautiful space to roam around munching on food.

Fruits and Vegetables

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Ants are attracted to fresh fruits and vegetables because they contain high sugar. Once they are cleaned, store them in the fridge or sealed containers at all times so ants do not get into your food. If you find ants in produce, remove them first before storing or eating.

Wood Piles

Keep wood-burning fireplaces and firewood well away from your home, at least 20 feet. If it is too close, ants could travel from the woodpile into your home. You can also structure the woodpile to ensure ants do not create a nest.

Tree Branches and Shrubs

Ants often use tree branches and shrubs as bridges to infiltrate your home. Keep these branches well-clipped back and away from the exterior walls of your house. Also, keep an eye on tree branches that extend over your roof, as they can be easily accessed by ants coming in tiny holes.

Compost Bin

Composting is a green way to deal with food scraps and other garden refuse. However, if it is kept incorrectly, it will also attract ants. Keep everything mixed and well-aerated (turned), with a secure lid on your compost bin to prevent ants from nesting inside.

Certain Houseplants

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Some houseplants may have a sweet fragrance that attracts ants. Check your plants for any signs of ants and take action if you find an infestation. To keep ants away, you can use natural repellents like cinnamon or peppermint oil.

Untidy and Cluttered Spaces

A messy room is good for hiding, giving ants some good spots to store their sugar. Get rid of the mess and dirt in your house: An ant-free home will be lonely for queen ants trying to find harborage. Also, vacuum to rid the unit of food crumbs or debris bound to attract ants.

Litter From Project

If you recently completed any construction work and left bricks, rocks, or wood behind your house, this could invite ants. Get rid of these common ant attractants and store them properly to prevent an ant infestation inside your home.