What to do When Ants Keep Coming Back
You expect to see an ant or two when you’re outside enjoying a picnic or lounging at the pool. But inside the house? No, thank you. When ants keep coming back, use these tips to ant-proof each room of your house and keep them out.
Kitchen
The kitchen is a sweet spot for ants. Follow these rules to keep them out of your cooking space:
- Store sweets in tightly sealed containers - Kitchen staples like sugar, syrup and honey should be kept in plastic containers that snap shut. Keep them wiped clean after each use to avoid sticky residue. Pro tip: You can also place a bay leaf inside containers of dry goods like flour to keep ants out. The herb’s sharp scent repels ants and other common pantry pests.
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen - Whether it’s grease or juice, clean spills as soon as they happen and go over them with wet and dry rags, respectively, to keep ants away.
- Rinse empty containers and remember to take the trash out - Juice or soda containers should be rinsed before going in the garbage. A trash can with a lid is also helpful, but doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the trash out regularly! Both will help eliminate ants in the kitchen.
- Check the fruit bowl – Overripe fruit will attract ants. Eat fruit before it goes bad and dispose of any overripe fruit right away.
- Keep pet food areas tidy - Pick up leftover or spilled pet food regularly and be sure to clean your furry friends’ bowls to keep ants from coming back to a reliable food source.
Bathroom
In addition to sweets, ants are attracted to areas with excess moisture. Carpenter ants, for example, often build nests in damp areas like behind bathroom tiles or under sinks. To prevent an infestation in the bathroom, follow these tried-and-true tips:
- Inspect regularly - Occasionally inspect sinks, toilets, and tubs for any leaks or drips.
- Clean thoroughly - You don’t have to make it a part of your weekly cleaning routine, but an occasional deep clean goes a long way when ants keep coming back. Scrub floors with disinfectant cleaner and wipe down the insides of drawers with warm, soapy water.
- Keep shower products closed - Ensure that shampoos, lotions, soaps, and scrubs are securely closed when you shower and that no contents have spilled out.
Other Places Ants Like:
It’s no secret: ants are tiny. They can find a way into your home through even the smallest crack or crevice. They commonly build homes inside walls, as well as in bedrooms, living rooms, basements, and air conditioning units.
Your best bet when ants keep coming back is to take your prevention efforts outside.
- Seal cracks with silicone caulk
- Repair holes in window and door screens
- Replace weather-stripping
- Fix loose mortar around basement foundation and windows
- Keep tree branches trimmed back and away from the house
If you’ve employed these tips and tried counter baits and sprays but the ants keep coming back, it’s time for professional treatment outside the home. For each outside colony you eliminate by baiting them inside, there will be an endless amount of other colonies ready to take their place. In fact, some species can live in walls and require a special bait, as certain sprays can actually make them more prevalent.
Give us a call to discuss ant removal options and eliminate your problem once and for all!
American Pest Professionals
Muncie, IN: 765-288-7779
Marion, IN: 765-664-2926
Anderson, IN: 765-644-2533
Muncie Location:
2130 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. Muncie, IN 47303
Marion Location:
2003 W 4th St. Marion, IN 46953
Anderson Location:
2130 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. Muncie, IN 47303
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