Ants are minor, seemingly harmless bugs that can soon develop into a significant problem if left unchecked. Homeowners often try solutions that only merely address the issue because they are uncertain of where to begin when tackling ants.
Identifying the cause of an ant infestation can be challenging, and eradicating them might take a long time. A nest of thousands may be nearby if there are even one or two in the house. In this post, we’ll go over more about what draws ants to your house, how to keep them away, and how to get rid of an infestation permanently. For more information on how to eradicate ants, contact Saela Pest Control.
How do ants get attracted?
There are several things you might be doing to attract ants to your home.
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Food
The most common source is food that is easily accessible. Considering how tiny they are, ants have a fantastic sense of smell because of their 400+ smell receptors. Ants are drawn to a range of foods, but most of them are drawn to oil and sugar. They are often drawn to hidden messes or abandoned food spills. Ants are able to identify the odor of food that has not been adequately refrigerated or stored in a container. Ants are not regarded as pantry pests, but if they do not reside in a secure location, they may also be drawn to dry items like flour or grains.
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Water
An extra factor that can attract ants is an excess of moisture. Water is usually the root cause of ants in your attic, basement, or bathroom. Carpenter ants, for example, construct nests beneath bathroom sinks and tiles because they hold the most amount of moisture. If ants are present, there may be a leak; look for leaks close to sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. They could be drawn to water if you have correctly kept and secured food in your kitchen.
Why ants are attracted to water?
It is interesting to note that ants are attracted to food scraps and spills, but many ant species exhibit an intense attraction to water sources within the house, which may confuse people. Ants’ need for water is evident in an ordinarily dry environment. They can be drawn in by even a tiny cup of water left out or a small pipe break. Because of this attraction, spaces like restrooms and kitchens—which we will talk about next—are often the most severely affected. Avoid leaving excess water in sinks or on counters, and fix any dripping faucets or plumbing problems right away to lower this danger.
Ways to avoid ants at home
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Kitchen
The most essential element in keeping ants out of your house is cleanliness. Regularly cleaning floors and countertops with soap is vital since water might not be sufficient to get rid of ant-attracting odors. Spills should be cleaned up right away, especially if they are fatty or sweet. Keep an eye out for children who might be hiding food around the house and for any cracks or small areas where food could fall.
Additionally, try to empty and clean indoor trash cans every day. Any outdoor trash cans should be kept away from your home’s entry, and perishable food must be put in a bag before being thrown out.
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Bathroom
Make sure to completely clean your bathroom to get rid of any standing water pools in order to keep ants out. Furthermore, a cleanser should be used to clean the drawers’ interiors and the floors. Ants may get the water they need from the kitchen sink as well as to from the restroom. Make every attempt to prevent standing water in the kitchen sink and the surrounding spaces.