What Is Attracting Ants To My Home?

Just what keeps attracting ants to my home? This is a question that many homeowners ask themselves when they get ant problems year after year. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Different things can make your home particularly attractive to ants, depending on your location and the type of ant you are dealing with.

Below, we will discuss some of the most common things that can draw ants to your property and increase your risk of an infestation.

7 THINGS THAT ATTRACT ANTS TO HOMES

Unsealed Food in the Kitchen

One of the most common things that can attract ants to your home is food. Many ants gain nutrients from sugary foods and will often enter homes in search of sweets and carbs. Other types of ants are attracted to oily or greasy foods, like meats, cheese, and nut butter.

If you have unsealed food in your kitchen, it's probably drawing in ants from the great outdoors. Even crumbs on the floor or under your appliances could be the culprits behind your home's frequent ant invasions.

Dirty Dishes in the Sink

When dirty dishes are left out overnight, the food residue provides a perfect food source for ants looking for an easy dinner. Even if it's tempting to let your dishes "soak" in the sink, washing them (or rinsing them and loading them in the dishwasher) can help you avoid ant attacks and save you a major headache.

Trash Cans

Ants are often drawn to indoor and outdoor trash cans. If your kitchen trash can is full of food scraps and or sticky food containers, it will entice ants who are foraging for their next meal.

Empty your indoor trash cans regularly and keep them clean to avoid luring in all kinds of unsavory pests, including cockroaches. Also, if you keep a bin of recyclable soda cans and bottles indoors, remember to wash them thoroughly so that the sugary residue won't attract nearby ant scouts.

Pet Food

While ants are not typically attracted to pets, the food that your pet eats can be the target of an ant invasion. If you feed your pet outdoors, be sure to clean up any leftover food so that ants don't have a chance to find it. If you feed your pet indoors, store the food in sealed containers, and don't leave any uneaten food sitting out for long periods.

Leaks and Excess Moisture

Like many household pests, ants thrive in damp, dank environments. Ants are attracted to humid areas and will often enter homes looking for water. If you have leaks or standing water around your home, it's essential to fix these problems as soon as possible to avoid attracting ants.

Leaf Piles and Woodpiles

Piles of leaves, mulch, and wood provide perfect nesting ground for many types of ants. If you have leafy or wooded areas near your home, it is important to keep them well-maintained so that ants will be less likely to build nests there. Regularly clean up leaf and woodpiles, and store lumber at least six inches off the ground to make it a less likely target for ants and termites.

Wet, Rotting Wood

Carpenter ants in particular are attracted to wet, rotting wood because it's easy for them to nest inside. If you have any water-damaged or soggy wood around your home, especially your foundation, it is crucial to repair any damage and improve your property’s drainage to prevent a carpenter ant infestation.

MIDWEST PEST CONTROL

If you're dealing with an ant problem that just won't go away, Spidexx Pest Control can help. Our technicians have the training, experience, and treatments to provide you with the long-term solution you've been looking for. Contact us today to learn more about our ant control services or to schedule your appointment: (855) 925-3550.

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