Ants are among the most common household pests, and while they might be small, they can cause big problems. Whether it’s the sight of a long trail leading to your kitchen counters or discovering a swarm around a food spill, any ant is an unwelcome presence in your home.

Ant control begins with understanding how they get in, where ants come from, how to effectively deal with ants and how to keep ants from coming back. We’ve broken down what causes house ants and best strategies to get rid of them.

Where do Ants Come From?

Ants are social and live in colonies, ranging in size from a few dozen to millions of insects. These colonies are typically located outdoors, often in soil, under rocks, or in decaying wood. Some species, like carpenter ants, can even establish their nests inside your home—with windows, porches, and bathrooms being the most vulnerable to infestation.

Ants work together to find food and bring it back to their colony, so you often see them marching in single-file lines to and from a food source. When outdoor food supplies become scarce, or when they discover easy access to food inside, ants will invite themselves into your home in search of sustenance.

How Ants Get Inside Your Home

You may be wondering how ants get in your house. It’s a great question! Ants are tiny and can slip through even the smallest of cracks and openings. They’ll use gaps around windows and doors, cracks in the foundation, and even utility lines to let themselves in. Ants are attracted to your home by the scent of food, which they can smell from long distances.

Once an ant scout finds a food source inside your home, it lays down a pheromone trail for its ant colony to follow. This is why you might see a seemingly endless stream of ants heading to the same spot. Left unchecked, what begins as a few ants can quickly escalate into a full-blown ant infestation.

Ways to Identify an Ant Issue in Your House

Identifying an ant problem early can help you address it before it gets out of hand. Some signs of an ant infestation include:

• Visible trails of ants: If you notice ants marching in lines, especially near food sources, it’s a clear sign they’ve established a path between their colony and your home.

• Ant nests: Outdoors, you might find small piles of dirt or sand that are commonly called ant hills, which could indicate an ant nest. Inside, nests are harder to spot, but look for sawdust-like material, which could suggest carpenter ants.

• Scattered ants: Even if you don’t see a full trail, spotting individual ants regularly in your home, particularly around the kitchen or pantry, is a tell-tell sign of a nearby colony.

How to Handle an Ant Infestation in Your Home

Getting rid of ants requires a combination of cleanliness, exclusion, and targeted treatments. Here are some effective strategies:

• Keep it clean: Wipe down countertops, sweep floors, and ensure that food is stored in airtight containers. Regularly take out the trash and clean up any spills immediately.

• Seal entry points: Inspect your home for cracks and gaps, particularly around windows, doors, and foundations. Seal these openings with caulk or weather stripping to prevent ants from entering.

• Use ant baits: Place ant bait stations near trails or where you’ve seen ants. Ants will carry the bait back to their colony, which can help eliminate the entire nest.

• Call a professional: If the infestation persists or you’re dealing with a large colony, it might be time to call in a pest control expert. They can identify the species and use their expertise to apply a precise, targeted treatment.

Let BugMan Exterminating Keep Your Home Ant-Free

Bug Man has been locally owned and operated in Roanoke Valley since 1994.

When you call us, you’ll have our team of experienced pest control specialists and a fleet of equipment trucks at your service. What’s more, we offer FREE pest control inspections, a 45-day warranty on all pest control treatments, and same-day service.

At Bug Man Exterminating, we understand that despite their small size, ants are a big nuisance when they invade your home. Let us take care of your ant problem so you can get back to your life.

Call us today to schedule your free inspection.