If you find ants in your house, don’t panic. In many situations a straightforward do-it-yourself approach—baiting with sugar water, placing an ant trap, and maintaining a clean kitchen—can stop an invasion. If the problem persists or is widespread, consider contacting a professional pest control company for a long-term solution. For more practical cleaning tips, see our home cleaning guide.
Damage that Ants in Your House Can Make
When you think of ants, you probably don’t see them as a major threat. However, ants can cause meaningful damage to your home if they’re not dealt with promptly. Here is a full guide to the damage ants can cause in your house.
One of the most common ways that ants can damage your home is by getting into your food. If you have an ant problem, you’ll likely find them in your pantry or cupboards, raiding your food supply.
Ants can contaminate food with their saliva and feces, which can cause illness if ingested.
Another way that ants can damage your home is by destroying wood. Carpenter ants are particularly adept at this, as their large jaws allow them to bite through wood easily. If you have carpenter ants in your home, they could potentially do a lot of damage over time. In these apartments for rent in Los Angeles, CA, you won’t have to worry about this dilemma. Learn how to protect woodwork and foundations from moisture—our guide to fixing your home’s foundation problems can help.
Finally, ants can also spread diseases. Some species of ant are known to carry harmful bacteria on their bodies, which can be transferred to humans and animals if they’re not careful.
If you have an ant problem, it’s important to call a professional pest control company to get rid of them as soon as possible.
While ants might not seem like much of a threat, they can actually cause a lot of damage to your home if left unchecked. If you think you might have an ant problem, be sure to call a professional pest control company to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Tips to Get the Ants Out
If you have a problem with ants in your house, there are some things you can do to help get rid of them.
Keep your kitchen clean
Ants are attracted to food, so the first step in keeping them out of your house is to keep your kitchen clean. Wipe up spills immediately, store food in sealed containers, and don’t leave crumbs or other food debris lying around. For more practical cleaning tips, see our home cleaning guide.
Kitchen is not the only room in your house that needs to be clean. Vacuum and sweep regularly to remove food debris and anything else that might attract ants.
Take care of problem areas outside
If ants are getting into your home, there’s a good chance they’re coming from outside. Inspect the exterior of your home and look for cracks or gaps that ants could be using to get in. Seal any cracks or gaps with caulking or another appropriate material. This aligns with strategies in our guide to fixing foundation problems for exterior maintenance and sealing.
Use ant baits
Ant baits are an effective way to get rid of ants because they allow you to kill the entire colony. Look for ant baits that contain boric acid or another active ingredient that is known to be effective against ants. Place the baits in areas where you’ve seen ants or where you think they might be coming into your home. For more home maintenance ideas while dealing with pests, see Creative Ways To Enjoy Your Space During Home Maintenance.
Use a natural insecticide
If you prefer not to use chemicals, there are a few natural options that can help get rid of ants. Cedar oil, clove oil, and lemon juice are all known to be effective against ants. You can also make a DIY insecticide by mixing equal parts vinegar and water. For more on natural options for your home, see How Essential Oil Benefits Your Home.
Hire an exterminator
If you’re having trouble getting rid of ants alone, you may need to hire an exterminator.
Ant removal experts can identify the species of ant you’re dealing with and provide treatment that is specifically tailored to that species. This is often the most effective way to get rid of ants for good. For a broader approach to maintaining a clean home, see our home cleaning guide.
Conclusion
Addressing an ant infestation involves practical DIY methods—meticulous cleanliness and targeted baits—while recognizing when to call in professionals. For persistent or large colonies, professional exterminators can tailor treatment to your ant species, offering a long-term shield against reinfestation. Combining careful home maintenance with expert guidance helps safeguard your pantry, woodwork, and living spaces, keeping your home serene and pest-free. For further home maintenance ideas, explore our Creative Ways To Enjoy Your Space During Home Maintenance.
