You wake up, head to the kitchen, and there they are—ants crawling across the counter like they own the place. It’s one of the most frustrating pest problems homeowners deal with, and once ants show up, they tend to stick around.
So why do ants keep invading your home? And what’s the best way to stop them for good?
At Genuine Pest Control, we get this question all the time. Let’s break down what’s really attracting ants, what to do about it, and how to keep your home ant-free all year long.
Why Are Ants Coming Into My House?
Ants don’t show up randomly. If you’re seeing them indoors, there’s almost always a reason.
- Food Sources
Ants have a superpowered sense of smell, and even the tiniest crumb can be enough to attract a whole colony. Leftover pet food, sugary spills, and even dirty dishes can invite them in. - Water Access
Just like us, ants need water. That’s why you’ll often see them in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements—anywhere there’s moisture or standing water. - Shelter and Warmth
Ants may come inside during heatwaves, cold snaps, or after heavy rains. Your home offers stable temperature and protection from the elements, which makes it an attractive place to hide.
Common Types of Ants Found in Homes
Not all ants behave the same way. Here are a few of the usual suspects:
- Sugar Ants (Odorous House Ants): Small and black or brown, these ants are drawn to sweets and commonly invade kitchens.
- Carpenter Ants: Larger and capable of causing structural damage by nesting inside wood.
- Pavement Ants: Typically nest under driveways and sidewalks but will enter homes through cracks and foundations.
Knowing what type of ant you’re dealing with can help determine the best removal strategy.
Signs You’ve Got an Ant Infestation
If you’re only seeing a few ants, you might be catching the problem early. But here’s what to look for:
- Consistent trails of ants moving in and out of your home
- Ants swarming around food or trash
- Visible nests near windows, in walls, or outside along the foundation
- Rustling sounds inside walls (in the case of carpenter ants)
Don’t wait for a few ants to turn into hundreds—it happens fast.
How to Stop Ants From Coming Inside
- Clean Up Food and Spills Promptly
Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and store food in airtight containers. Pay special attention to sugary items like honey, syrup, or fruit. - Fix Water Leaks
Ants are drawn to moisture. Repair leaky faucets, dry out damp areas, and make sure your home’s ventilation is working properly. - Seal Entry Points
Caulk cracks, patch gaps around windows and doors, and inspect the foundation for any access points. - Take Out the Trash
Don’t let garbage sit overnight, especially in warm weather. Keep trash cans sealed and clean. - Use Safe Ant Deterrents
You can try natural deterrents like vinegar, lemon juice, or essential oils (peppermint is a favorite). These may help discourage ants temporarily, but they rarely stop infestations.
DIY Isn’t Always Enough
Ants are persistent. Even if you clean and seal everything, they may keep coming back because the nest is still active—usually somewhere outside or in hidden parts of your home.
Store-bought ant sprays or bait traps can help reduce the population temporarily, but if you don’t eliminate the queen and colony, the ants will rebuild.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried everything and the ants won’t go away, it’s time to bring in a professional. At Genuine Pest Control, we take a full-property approach:
- Identify the ant species and locate the nest
- Treat both the inside and outside of your home to target colonies at the source
- Use family- and pet-safe treatments designed for long-term results
- Help you seal up and prevent future infestations with expert advice
We don’t just spray and leave—we take the time to get to the root of the problem so you don’t have to deal with it again.
Keep Ants Out—For Good
Ant invasions are one of the most common household issues—and one of the most annoying. But with the right mix of prevention and professional treatment, you can take control of the situation and protect your space.
Need help kicking ants out of your home for good? Reach out to Genuine Pest Control today and schedule your ant control service. We’ll make sure they check out—and stay out.
