Summer brings warm days, backyard barbecues, and…ants. Those tiny invaders seem to appear out of nowhere, marching in determined lines along your countertops, floorboards, and sometimes even your pantry! If you’re like me, there’s nothing worse than spotting a line of ants interrupting an otherwise perfect summer day.
The good news is that keeping your home ant-free this summer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. I’ve dealt with my fair share of ant invasions over the years and learned plenty of tried-and-true methods to keep them at bay. If you’re ready to win the battle against these persistent pests, I’ve rounded up some of the best tips and tricks that have worked for me.
Why Ants Invade Your Space
Before we tackle how to get rid of ants, it’s helpful to understand why they’re invading your space in the first place. Most of the time, ants are on the hunt for two things: food and water. During warmer months, they’re especially motivated to find these resources, which makes your kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes even your living room prime targets.
That crumb you accidentally missed after breakfast or the water from a dripping pipe under the sink? For ants, those are practically a buffet invitation. Knowing this helps us pinpoint the most vulnerable areas in our homes and focus our efforts there.
How to Keep Ants Out
1. Cleanliness is Your First Line of Defense
The easiest way to keep ants away is by removing what they’re coming for in the first place. I can’t stress it enough: stay on top of cleaning!
Here are a few cleaning habits that worked wonders for me:
- Wipe down countertops and tables regularly with a solution of water and vinegar. It not only cleans but also disrupts the chemical trails ants leave for their fellow colony members.
- Sweep and vacuum daily, especially in places where food is consumed, to eliminate crumbs and other debris that might attract ants.
- Don’t forget to take out the trash frequently, and don’t leave food scraps in open bins.
2. Store Food Properly
Ants are incredible scavengers. Trust me, even the smallest crumb can invite an entire colony to party in your pantry. I learned the hard way that improperly sealed containers for sugar, cereal, or even pet food can quickly turn into an all-you-can-eat buffet for ants.
- Use airtight containers for food storage. I’ve switched to glass and heavy-duty plastic containers, and it’s made a huge difference.
- Wipe jars and containers with sticky, sugary remnants before putting them away.
3. Block Their Entry Points
One thing I came to appreciate about ants is their persistence. They can find the tiniest cracks and crevices to enter your home. A huge part of keeping your home ant-free is identifying these entry points and sealing them up.
- Grab some caulk and seal cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards.
- If you notice where ants are coming in, sprinkle some diatomaceous earth along the edges. It’s a natural deterrent and safe to use indoors.
4. Keep Moisture Under Control
Ants aren’t just after your snacks; they also need water to survive. Regularly checking for and addressing moisture issues in your home can help reduce ant invasions.
- Fix leaky pipes or faucets as soon as you notice them.
- Ensure your kitchen sink is dry at night. I got into the habit of wiping mine down before bed.
- If you have houseplants, take care not to overwater them as the damp soil can attract ants.
What If Ants Persist?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, those little critters just keep finding their way back. If you’re still seeing ants after trying the above, there are additional steps you can take.
Bait and Trap
Commercial ant baits can be a great solution when used correctly. The key is patience! The ants take the bait back to their colony, which eventually eliminates the problem at its root. When I tried this, it took about a week to see major results—but the effort was worth it.
When to Call the Experts
If you’re dealing with a severe infestation or a particularly stubborn type of ant (I’m looking at you, carpenter ants), it may be time to call in pest control professionals. They can identify the species and provide targeted treatments to resolve the issue once and for all.
