Sign-in to Account
Call Us

(855) 948-5816

aptive-registered-logo-white

Find Service Area

3 Things That Attract Ants to Your Home & How to Prevent It

Written by Aptive Environmental September 19, 2024

Ants are more than just a nuisance. Although they play an important role in nature, they can quickly become a major problem if they invade your home. Certain factors make your home particularly inviting to these tiny invaders. Knowing exactly what attracts ants is crucial for effective ant pest control.

If you’ve been dealing with an ant problem, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with this issue. In this article, we’ll explore the top three things that attract ants into your home and how to address these common issues.

1. Food Crumbs and Residue

Food is one of the biggest attractions for ants. They have a highly developed sense of smell, which helps them locate food sources, even tiny crumbs or unnoticed spills. They are particularly attracted to foods rich in sugar and fats, but they will eat almost anything available.

Common food sources include:

  • Crumbs left on countertops, tables, and floors
  • Residue from sugary foods like candy, cakes, or pastries
  • Open food containers or improperly sealed packages
  • Pet food left in dishes for extended periods

How to Prevent Ants from Finding Food

Keeping your home free from food crumbs and residue is the first line of defense against ants. Here are some practical tips:

  • Clean regularly: Sweep, vacuum, and mop your floors often, especially in the kitchen and dining areas.
  • Store food properly: Keep food in airtight containers, and never leave it out overnight. This includes pet food.
  • Wipe down surfaces: After preparing or eating food, wipe down countertops, tables, and any other surfaces to remove crumbs and spills.
  • Dispose of garbage: Take out the trash regularly, and make sure your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids to prevent ants from finding food waste.

2. Sugary Spills

Sugary substances are particularly attractive to ants. Whether it’s a spilled soda or leftover juice from fruit, ants are drawn to anything sweet. Even a small amount of sugar can attract a large number of ants, as they communicate the location of food to their colony through pheromones.

Common sugary attractants:

  • Spilled soft drinks, juices, or syrups
  • Honey jars or syrup bottles with sticky exteriors
  • Fruits and vegetables that are overripe or rotting

How to Prevent Sugary Spills from Attracting Ants

Managing sugary spills effectively will reduce the chances of attracting ants into your home. Here’s how:

  • Clean spills immediately: Wipe up any spills as soon as they happen. Use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean sticky surfaces, as vinegar helps to eliminate the scent trail left by ants.
  • Rinse containers: After using honey, syrup, or any other sugary food, rinse the containers before storing them.
  • Store sweets safely: Keep sweets and sugary foods in sealed containers or in the refrigerator, and avoid leaving them out on countertops or tables.
  • Dispose of overripe fruits: Regularly check fruits and vegetables for ripeness and dispose of any that are past their prime.

3. Moisture and Water Sources

Ants, like all living organisms, need water to survive. Moisture inside your home can be a significant draw for ants, especially during dry seasons when water is scarce. Leaky pipes, standing water, and damp areas provide the moisture ants need, making these places common entry points for infestations.

Common moisture sources:

  • Leaking pipes under sinks or in basements
  • Standing water in pet dishes, plant saucers, or bathrooms
  • Damp areas around bathtubs, showers, or sinks
  • Humidity in basements, crawl spaces, or attics

How to Reduce Moisture and Prevent Ants

Addressing moisture issues in your home can help prevent ants from seeking water sources inside. Try doing these:

  • Fix leaks: Regularly inspect your home for leaks, especially under sinks, in the bathroom, and around appliances that use water. Repair any leaks promptly.
  • Eliminate standing water: Empty pet water dishes when not in use, and avoid leaving standing water in plant saucers or other containers.
  • Use a dehumidifier: If you have a basement, crawl space, or attic that tends to be damp, use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels.
  • Ventilate moist areas: Ensure that bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of moisture.

Keep Your Home Clear of Ants with Aptive

Don’t let ants disrupt your comfort. Aptive is dedicated to helping homes and communities tackle pest problems effectively, one home at a time. Let our trusted team provide expert pest management to ensure “Every Home Enjoyed.” Contact us to get a no-obligation quote today and take the first step toward a more comfortable living space.

Curated articles for you, from our pest experts.

Close-Up Of A Black Ant On A Green Leaf With Water Droplets.

Pest Control: The Lifecycle of Pests

Pests are a nuisance to homeowners, and can cause a lot of damage to property, as well as health risks to humans and pets. To effectively control pests, it is important to understand their lifecycle and behavior. In this article, we will explore the lifecycle of...

Feb 17, 2023
Aptive Employee Standing In The Front Yard Talking To A Customer.

Best Time for Pest Control Services: When to Act

When it comes to pest control services, timing is everything. Imagine this: it's a beautiful summer evening, the grill is fired up, and friends are coming for a backyard barbecue. But as you open the back door, you're greeted by an unwelcome surprise—a parade of...

Sep 17, 2024
A Modern Kitchen Interior Showcasing A Sleek Black Sink With A Matte Black Faucet. The Kitchen Features A Wooden Countertop With Various Appliances Like A Microwave And Coffee Maker, And Is Decorated With Multiple Indoor Plants And A Small Fruit Bowl, Adding A Touch Of Nature And Color To The Space. Natural Light Streams In Through A Window, Illuminating The Area.

Tips for Preventing Pests in Your Home’s Plumbing System

Hearing strange scratching sounds coming from your walls can be unsettling. It might be mice, but it could also be sneaky pests living inside your plumbing system. While the idea might be alarming, these tips for plumbing pest prevention can help reduce the risk of...

Sep 16, 2024
A Close-Up Image Of A Six-Eyed Crab Spider (Family Thomisidae) With A Reddish-Orange Body, Capturing An Ant On A Green Leaf. The Spider'S Detailed Texture And The Fine Hairs On Its Legs Are Clearly Visible.

What is an Arachnid?

What do spiders, scorpions, and mites have in common? They belong to a larger group of animals called arachnids. While you've most likely seen a spider or two around your home, these fascinating creatures are incredibly diverse. Let's investigate what makes them...

Aug 30, 2024
A Modern Two-Story Suburban Home With Gray Siding And A Dark Roof, Illuminated By Warm Interior Lights During Sunset. The House Features A Large Three-Car Garage, Well-Manicured Lawn, And A Driveway With Reflections From Recent Rain. The Sky Is Tinged With Soft Hues Of Pink And Purple As The Day Transitions Into Evening.

Pest Control Tips for Your Garage: Keeping Rodents and Insects Out

The garage is a space designed for tools and vehicles, but it can also attract unwanted pests. These intruders can cause damage by chewing wires, nesting in stored items, and leaving unsanitary droppings behind. Garage pest control doesn't have to be a constant...

Aug 28, 2024
A Modern Kitchen With White Cabinets, A Gray Backsplash, And Stainless Steel Appliances. The Kitchen Features A Gas Stovetop With A Shiny Pot And A Bowl Of Lemons On The Marble Countertop. Brightly Colored Orange Cookware And Various Fresh Ingredients, Including Bread, Herbs, And Flowers, Add Vibrant Accents To The Space.

The Five Most Common Kitchen Pests: Identification and Prevention

Keeping your kitchen clear of pests is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home. Kitchen pests can be more than just a nuisance; they can also contaminate your food and spread diseases. In this article, we'll cover the five most common pests, kitchen...

Aug 23, 2024
A Modern Kitchen Featuring White Cabinets, A Large Stainless Steel Refrigerator, A Marble Countertop Island With A Sink, And A Professional-Grade Stove With Red Knobs.

How to Prevent Bugs from Nesting in Your Gutters

You might not think about your gutters often, but pests certainly do. In fact, your gutters could be the perfect haven for various bugs. Without proper gutter bug prevention, these tiny invaders can cause significant damage to your home. Let's investigate why they...

Aug 1, 2024
An Elderly Man Wearing A Light Blue Shirt And Beige Pants Is Watering A Large Green Potted Plant In A Brightly Lit Hallway With Wooden Walls And Frosted Glass Windows.

Seasonal Pest Control: Preparing Your Home for Each Season

For many homeowners, the fight against unwanted pests feels like a constant battle. But did you know that adapting your strategies to the changing seasons can significantly improve your chances of winning this war? Enter: seasonal pest control.  Throughout the...

Jul 23, 2024
A Close-Up Image Of A Brown Mouse Perched On A Weathered Wooden Fence, With A Blurred Natural Background And Some Green Leaves Visible.

The Importance of Regular Pest Inspections for Home Maintenance

Owning a home is a source of pride, but it also comes with the responsibility of ongoing maintenance. While tasks like fixing a leaky faucet might come to mind, don't overlook the crucial role of regular pest inspections offered by professional pest control...

Jul 23, 2024

Take back your home with pest control today.