Why Do I Have Ants In My House?

Dealing with an Ant Infestation? Find Out Why You Have Ants and How to Get Rid of Them

Everyone in South Carolina has found themselves dealing with an ant infestation at one point or another. While we have the distinct displeasure of dealing with ants year-round, these miniature armies truly thrive when the weather warms up in the spring and summer months.

If you’ve recently discovered a line of ants marching across your floor, along a windowsill, or to and from a box of cereal in your pantry, you might be wondering: “why do I have ants in my house?” And more importantly, “how can I get rid of ants?”

Many South Carolina homeowners assume that keeping a clean home and kitchen means not having to worry about an ant infestation. In reality, you may end up with ants despite your best efforts to keep your home spick and span. Read on to learn what causes ants to invade your home and how to prevent an infestation.

Why Do I Have Ants In My Home?

While many variables can result in a pest infestation, when it comes to ants, there are three main things to consider: ants are looking for food, water, and shelter, all of which may be readily available in your home.

Ants are looking for food.

Problem: Like all insects, ants need a source of food. Many of the ant species we have here in South Carolina are attracted to the types of sweet, sugary, and starchy foods commonly found in kitchen pantries. If these items are left in containers that aren’t fully sealed—or those that can easily be chewed through, such as paper sacks of sugar or plastic bags of cereal—they can easily attract ants into your home.

Prevention: Eliminating potential food sources for ants will go a long way towards ant prevention. Keeping your kitchen clean is important, but even a spotless kitchen can attract ants if pantry foods aren’t properly stored. Be sure to store dry goods in tightly sealed plastic containers, including your pets’ food. There’s nothing like a tasty bowl of dog food left on the ground to attract ants!

Ants are looking for a source of water.

Problem: Like all living things, ants are thirsty creatures, constantly on the hunt for readily available water sources. Any standing water in or around your home will attract ants, making it easier for them to take up residence.

Prevention: Check around the outside of your home for standing water, paying particular attention to your gutters, flowerpots, buckets, and other containers. Repair any leaky pipes or faucets, and check your basement for excess humidity. Consider installing a dehumidifier if needed.

Ants are looking for shelter

Problem: Ants need shelter in order to reproduce, and your home is the perfect place for them to set up shop. Given how small they are, ants can gain access to your home through the tiniest of cracks and crevices. The older your home, the more likely it is that there are poorly sealed areas where ants can easily gain entry.

Prevention: Eliminating all possible entry points for ants can be time-consuming but will help prevent a range of potential pest infestations (including other pests common to South Carolina). First, go around the outside of your home and check for cracks and holes around your foundation. If you find any damages, consider contacting a professional for repairs. Next, look for gaps around cabling and pipes, and seal these up as needed with the appropriate caulking material. The same goes for windows and doors: add weatherstripping or caulking to eliminate entry points for ants.

Call Home Pest Control for Professional Ant Treatment

Following these ant prevention tips will go a long way towards reducing your risk of ant infestation, but they still can’t guarantee you’ll stay ant-free all the time. If you’re dealing with a serious infestation, Home Pest Control can help.

Attempting to get rid of ants on your own can be a major challenge. South Carolina is home to a wide range of ant species, and there’s no single treatment that works for all of them. The professionals at Home Pest Control can determine what type of ants you’re dealing with and design a custom ant control program to rid your home of pests. Contact us today to learn more.