Uninvited Guests: Ways that Ants May Be Getting In Your Home

1. Cracks and Gaps
   Ants are skilled at finding tiny openings in our homes and using them as entry points. Common entryways include cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and openings around utility lines and pipes. As tiny ants, they can squeeze through even the smallest openings, making it crucial to inspect and seal any gaps in your home's structure.
   Prevention Tip: Regularly inspect the exterior of your home for cracks and gaps and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Pay close attention to entry points around windows and doors and areas where utility lines enter your home.
2. Unsealed Food Containers
   One of the primary reasons ants enter our homes is to find food sources. Leaving food containers unsealed or crumbs on countertops can quickly attract them. Ants leave chemical trails to communicate with their colony, leading other ants to the discovered food source.
   Prevention Tip: Store food in airtight containers and immediately clean up spills and crumbs. Regularly wipe down countertops and ensure that your kitchen remains clean and tidy.
3. Sweet Scents and Sticky Residues
   Ants have a strong sense of smell and are attracted to sweet scents and sticky residues left behind by spills or food debris. Even tiny amounts of sugar, honey, or syrup can lure them into your home. Prevention Tip: Clean spills promptly using soap and water to remove sticky residues. Consider using natural cleaning agents like vinegar to avoid leaving behind enticing scents.
4. Overhanging Branches and Foliage
   Some species, such as carpenter ants, build satellite nests in trees and shrubs before venturing into homes. Overhanging branches and foliage can act as bridges, providing easy access for ants to enter your living space.
   Prevention Tip: Trim back any tree branches or shrubs that touch or hang over your home's exterior. This will help reduce the likelihood of ants using them as a pathway to enter your home.
5. Dampness and Moisture
   Like all living organisms, ants need water to survive. Homes with excess moisture or damp areas can attract ants seeking hydration.
   Prevention Tip: Fix leaky pipes or faucets promptly and ensure proper ventilation in damp areas, such as basements and bathrooms.