Step 3: Prevent Future Infestations
Ants are industrious and numerous, so even if you get rid of ants in your home, they will probably come back if they can find a way in. The key to keeping ants out of your house is to block entry points and make the outside of your house less hospitable.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
| Area to Check | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows and doors | Seal with caulk or weatherstripping |
| Pipes and utility lines | Fill gaps with expanding foam or caulk |
| Brickwork and siding | Repair cracks and gaps |
| Foundation | Seal any visible cracks |
“Ants are looking for food and shelter when they come indoors,” Skvarla says, and because they are so tiny, they can usually find a way.
Reduce Moisture
| Action | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Direct moisture away from the foundation | Ants need water |
| Fix leaky gutters | Prevents moisture buildup |
| Repair leaky pipes | Eliminates indoor water sources |
| Fix hose bibbs that drip | Removes outdoor water sources |
Clean Up Leaf Litter
Piles of wet leaves and mulch near your house are a great place for ants to set up shop. Depending on the species, they could use it for cover, for foraging, or to build a new nest.
Recommendation: “Keep mulch, leaf litter, and vegetation at least 10 to 12 inches away from the foundation,” Price says.
Keep Trees Trimmed
Tree limbs that rest on your home’s exterior walls have the same effect as a welcome mat. Did you spray an insecticide along the foundation? No problem—they will just climb over on the branch.
Recommendation: “Trimming back or removing trees and bushes that touch the house is often enough to eliminate ants in the house,” Skvarla says.
Store and Dispose of Food Properly
| Habit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Keep food tightly covered | Removes food sources |
| Clean up food spills and crumbs immediately | Eliminates attractants |
| Rinse food and drink containers before throwing them in the garbage or recycling | Reduces odors that attract ants |
| Clean your sink daily, including the strainer | Removes food particles |
| Do not leave pet food out all the time | Pet food is a major attractant |
Cat owner tip: Put the dish in a “moat” of water to keep ants out.
Quick Reference: Ant Control Methods
| Method | Best For | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Bait stations | Sweet-eating or protein-eating ants | Good for small to moderate infestations |
| DIY borax bait | Any ant; can tailor to preference | Good for those who want to avoid chemicals |
| Diatomaceous earth | Entry points and trails | Good as a barrier |
| Foundation spray | Large colonies; persistent ants | Effective but use as last resort |
| Professional treatment | Carpenter ants; serious infestations | Most reliable for severe cases |
FAQs
What do ants eat?
It depends on the species. Many ants feed on “honeydew,” a secretion they get from aphids. Yard ants “have more of a protein diet,” Price says. “They have larger mandibles to collect small insects and body parts of dead insects.”
What smells do ants hate?
“There are essential oil blends that are effective at repelling ants,” Price says. Look for peppermint and other strong-smelling oils.
