15 Common Things That Attracts Ants To Your Home

If you are wondering what causes ants the most, it would be food crumbs. Food crumbs are among the most common things attracting ants to your home. Even the smallest particles of food can be enough to draw ants inside.

These tiny pests have an incredible sense of smell, allowing them to detect crumbs that might be invisible to the human eye. Crumbs can accumulate in various places, like under kitchen appliances, on countertops, or around dining areas. Once ants find a food source, they leave a scent trail for other ants to follow.

Sugary spills are another main attractant for ants because these pests have a strong preference for sweet substances. When drinks like soda, juice, or syrups are spilled and not cleaned up thoroughly, they leave behind a sticky residue that ants can easily detect.

Even a small spill can release sugary scents that draw ants from outside your home. Once they find the spill, they will not only consume it but also leave a scent trail for other ants to follow, leading to a rapid infestation.

Grease and oils left on kitchen surfaces, stovetops, or trash cans can be a powerful lure for ants. These substances are rich in fats, which provide ants with a concentrated energy source. Unlike sugary foods, which are easily noticed, grease can accumulate unnoticed in hard-to-reach places, such as behind appliances or in the seams of countertops.

Over time, these greasy residues emit odors that ants can detect from a distance. The persistence of ants in seeking out these hidden food sources makes it crucial to clean and degrease kitchen areas regularly.

If you have the habit of leaving pet food in the pet container, just know that it will attract ants. Pet food contains proteins, fats, and sugars, which are highly appealing to ants. When pet food is left out in bowls, especially overnight, it gives ants a chance to swarm and feast unnoticed.

The aroma of the food, combined with its easy accessibility, makes it a prime target. Additionally, crumbs or spilled kibble around the feeding area can attract ants, creating a trail back to the main supply.

Ants need moisture to survive, and they will seek out any available water source within your home. Leaky faucets, damp areas under sinks, or condensation on pipes can draw ants indoors. Some ants, like carpenter ants, are particularly attracted to wet wood, where they can establish colonies.

Even small amounts of water, such as drops left in a sink or on countertops, can be enough to sustain an ant colony. Regularly fixing leaks and wiping down wet surfaces can help keep ants from being drawn to your home.

Ants find trash bins with food waste irresistible. These bins contain food scraps and organic materials they can feed on and build their nest. When trash bins are not properly sealed or are left overflowing, the odors of decaying food can travel, signaling to ants that a plentiful food source is nearby.

Even the tiniest gap in the lid or a small tear in the trash bag can allow ants to enter and access the contents. Once they find food in the trash, it will lead to repeated invasions. 

Rotting fruit produces potent, sweet-smelling aromas as it decomposes and attracts ants. As fruit overripens and breaks down, it releases sugars and other organic compounds that ants can easily detect. Fermentation, which occurs as fruit rots, intensifies these scents, making them even more appealing to ants.

This decaying fruit not only provides a rich food source but also a moist environment where ants can thrive. If left unattended, a piece of rotting fruit can quickly attract a swarm of ants. To prevent this, regularly check and dispose of overripe or decaying fruit.

Dirty dishes left in the sink can lead to an ant infestation because they often contain residual food particles, grease, and sugary residues. When dishes sit unwashed, the leftover food begins to break down, releasing enticing odors that ants can easily detect.

The moisture on the dishes also adds to the appeal, as ants are drawn to damp environments. Even small crumbs or traces of food can be enough to attract ants, leading them to explore the rest of your kitchen in search of more.

Sugar bowls can attract ants because they offer a direct and accessible source of sweetness, a primary food source for many ant species. Even if the sugar bowl is covered, ants can detect the faint scent of sugar and be drawn to it.

Spilled or sticky sugar around the bowl can also create a trail that leads ants to the source. Additionally, sugar granules can easily get trapped in small crevices or under the bowl, making it hard to clean. To minimize the risk of attracting ants, keep sugar containers tightly sealed.

Sticky residues from spilled drinks or syrups can attract ants because they provide a concentrated source of sugar that ants are particularly drawn to. Unlike typical food crumbs, sticky spots create a persistent lure by leaving a trail of sweetness that ants can follow.

These residues can cling to floors, countertops, and appliances, forming a sugary path that ants use to navigate and locate more food. The stickiness also makes it harder to clean up thoroughly, allowing ants to continue feeding and establishing a presence. 

Honey jars, when left unsealed or with sticky residue, become a prime target for ants due to their high sugar content. The natural sweetness of honey is particularly appealing to ants, drawing them in with its strong scent and rich taste.

Even a small amount of honey that drips or spills can create a sticky, sweet mess that ants will eagerly explore. The residue left on the jar or surrounding area can serve as a continuous source of attraction, leading ants to find and exploit every bit of honey they can access. 

For those wondering how do ants get into your house, it is probably through the cracks and crevices around your home. Cracks and crevices in your home provide ants easy access and shelter, making them a common entry point for these pests.

These small openings, often found around windows, doors, and baseboards, offer ants a direct route into your home, where they can search for food and water. Additionally, cracks can lead to hidden areas where ants might establish nests. Once ants discover these entry points, they can infiltrate various parts of your home.

If you have checked your house and there are no cracks and crevices, you must be wondering where do the ants come from. Ants can also enter your homes through houseplants.

If you have house plants that were once outside, the plant was possibly already infested when you brought them inside. They are often drawn to the damp soil in potted plants, which can offer a consistent water source. Once inside, the ants will look for food sources and infiltrate other parts of your home. 

Leftover food, when left uncovered or in open containers, is a significant attractant for ants due to the various flavors and nutrients it offers. Whether it is a plate of scraps or a partially eaten meal, the odors emitted from leftover food can spread and lure ants from various locations.

Ants are adept at finding and exploiting these food sources, using their sense of smell to detect even the smallest remnants. They are especially attracted to foods rich in sugars, proteins, or fats. 

Damp wood, often found in basements or crawl spaces, can attract ants, particularly carpenter ants drawn to moist environments. This type of wood is appealing because it provides a potential nesting site and an abundant food source as it decomposes.

Carpenter ants are especially interested in damp wood because it is easier to tunnel through and establish colonies. Additionally, the moisture in the wood can foster mold and fungi, which can further attract ants and other pests. Therefore, it is important to address any moisture issues promptly in vulnerable areas. 

Here are a few effective ways to get ants out of your house:

Seal Entry Points

Sealing entry points can prevent ants from entering your home. Ants can exploit the smallest cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. To address this, thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior and interior for any visible cracks or gaps.

Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these openings. For larger gaps, you might need to use expanding foam or other fillers. By blocking these entry points, you cut off ants’ access routes and significantly reduce the likelihood of an infestation.

Clean Thoroughly

Cleaning thoroughly removes ants from your house because it removes the food sources that attract them. Ants are attracted to the scent of food, so even small crumbs or spills can lure them inside. By regularly wiping down countertops, floors, and appliances and promptly cleaning up any spills, you eliminate the odors that attract ants.

It is important to pay attention to overlooked areas, such as under appliances or behind cabinets. A clean home deprives ants of their food sources and helps prevent them from establishing a colony indoors.

Use Ant Baits

Ant baits are an effective tool for getting ants out of your house because they attract ants with a food source laced with a slow-acting poison. When ants consume the bait, they carry it back to their colony, where it is shared with other ants, including the queen.

This process disrupts the colony’s ability to function and reproduce, eventually leading to the colony’s demise. Unlike surface treatments that only kill ants that come into contact with them, baits target the colony itself, providing a more long-term solution. 

Apply Vinegar Solution

Using a vinegar solution is an effective way to disrupt and repel ants. Vinegar has potent acidic properties that interfere with ants' ability to follow their scent trails. To create this solution, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Apply it directly to areas where ants are active, such as entry points, trails, and nesting sites. The vinegar not only masks the scent trails but also creates an inhospitable environment for ants due to its strong smell. Regular application can help deter ants.

Deploy Borax and Sugar

Mixing borax with sugar can help get rid of ants. The sugar acts as an attractant, drawing ants to the mixture because they are naturally attracted to sweet substances. Once the ants consume the sugar and borax blend, the borax, which is toxic to ants, disrupts their digestive systems.

They carry the bait back to their nest, where it can kill other ants, including those in the colony. This method helps to eliminate the colony over time. Place the mixture in areas where ants are frequently seen for best results.

Use Lemon Juice

You can also use lemon juice to eradicate ants from your home. The strong citrus scent of lemon juice interferes with ants' ability to follow scent trails, which they use to navigate and communicate. By spraying lemon juice, you disrupt their sense of smell and create an environment that they find unpleasant.

This method is not only simple but also leaves behind a fresh, clean scent. To use this method, mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected areas regularly for the best results.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. When sprinkled in areas where ants are active, DE works as an effective insecticide by dehydrating ants upon contact.

The powder has sharp microscopic edges that cut through the ants' exoskeletons, causing them to lose moisture and die. DE is safe for use around pets and children when using food-grade varieties, as it targets only insects. To use DE effectively, apply it in areas where ants travel. 

Manage Moisture

Managing moisture is crucial in preventing and controlling ant infestations because ants are highly attracted to damp environments. Leaky pipes, overwatered plants, and moisture build-up in areas like basements or under sinks create an ideal habitat for ants.

These conditions not only provide a water source but also promote the growth of mold and mildew, which can further attract ants. By addressing these issues, your home is less inviting to ants. Fix any plumbing leaks, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid overwatering plants. Keep your home dry and well-maintained.

Remove Outdoor Attractants

Ants are often attracted to food sources like pet food, spilled birdseed, or overripe fruit left outside. These attractants create an inviting environment for ants, which can lead them to explore and eventually enter your home in search of more food.

To minimize this risk, keep outdoor feeding areas clean by promptly picking up pet food bowls and clearing away spilled birdseed or other food debris regularly. Additionally, remove any rotting or overripe fruit from garden areas and ensure that garbage cans are sealed tightly. 

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be an effective, natural way to repel ants due to their potent scents, which disrupt ants’ sensory pathways and deter them from entering your home.

Oils like peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus contain compounds that are unpleasant to ants and interfere with their ability to follow scent trails. To use essential oils, mix a few drops of the oil with water in a spray bottle. Apply this solution around entry points, along ant trails, and in areas where ants are active.

Sometimes, you might be unsuccessful in dealing with the ant infestation. For such times, you might need to enlist the help of a professional. Calling a professional pest control service is advisable when:

Infestation is Severe

You might need a professional when there is a large or persistent ant infestation that DIY methods cannot manage effectively. A professional can assess and address the problem more comprehensively.

Ants are Difficult to Identify

If you are unsure about the type of ants or their nesting sites, professionals can accurately identify the species and tailor treatment strategies accordingly.

Health Risks are Present

A professional is better equipped to deal with the infestation when it poses health risks, such as food contamination or allergies. The method they employ can help address potential health hazards.

Persistent Problems

You might need a professional If you have tried multiple home remedies and still see ants regularly. Persistent problems indicate a deeper issue requiring expert solutions.

Structural Damage

If ants, such as carpenter ants, are causing damage to your home’s structure, a professional can provide targeted treatments and repairs.

Safety Concerns

If you are worried about using chemical treatments or baits, especially if you have kids or pets around, professionals can handle these products safely and effectively.

Time Constraints

Professionals can efficiently manage the problem and save you effort if you do not have the time or resources to handle a complex infestation, p

Recurring Issues

It might be necessary to have a professional evaluate and address the root cause if you have recurring ant problems despite following preventive measures.