No matter what you do, ants always seem to find their way into your home… Many homes suffer from ant infestations, but these infestations are more preventable than you think. Here are seven common reasons why you have ants at home.
Why ants at home should worry you
It’s always annoying to see ants taking over your home. But these pests are not just minor annoyances. They can be dangerous in their own ways.
- Ants bite and sting. Ant bites and stings are not particularly dangerous, but don’t underestimate them. If you don’t take care of them, they can lead to infections. There are also some species of ants whose bites and stings are more dangerous compared to others. For instance, fire ant stings can burn and itch. They can also lead to allergies.
- Ants contaminate food. Ants travel through your entire home. It’s not unlikely for them to travel on the unsanitary parts of your home too, like the corners of your bathroom and the soils of your garden. If they end up touching your food, they may spread bacteria that they may have gotten from these unsanitary parts. Ants can carry a variety of bacteria, from e. coli to shigella.
- Ants cause structural damage. Ant infestations don’t usually cause structural damages. If they do cause some, the damages are usually not that extensive. But not all ants are created equal. There are some ant species that are more destructive than others. Some of the most destructive ones are carpenter ants because they destroy the wooden parts of your home to use the wood for their nest.
Why you have ants at home
1. You leave doors and windows open
You have ants at home because your property is too accessible. Doors and windows are passageways not just for humans, but also for pests like ants. It doesn’t help that they can thrive on doors and windows too. This is because doors and windows have spaces in them that are comfortable enough for ants to nest.
To prevent ants from going through your doors and windows, close all gaps, preferably with weather strips.
2. You have tree branches connecting to your windows
Ants can thrive outside of your home too. For instance, ants are known to nest near plants for easy access to honeydew and other resources. Ants outside your home can still be a problem because they can crawl inside your home and start an infestation.
One of the most common ways for ants to get inside your home is through your windows. Your windows are ideal passageways, especially if they are near plants and tree branches that can serve as a bridge between your home and the outside world.
3. You have piping problems
Your kitchen is almost always the part of your home you think is the most vulnerable to ant infestations. This is generally true because your kitchen is full of food ants need to thrive. But remember that ants need water too. And this is why your bathroom is also up there in the list of vulnerable parts of your home.
Another way for ants to get water on your property is through piping problems like leaks and stagnant water. Get these problems fixed immediately by a professional plumber. Ants are not the only pests attracted to these problems. Cockroaches, spiders, and termites like piping problems as well.
4. You have decaying wood
Water can lead to wood decay. This is another reason to fix your piping problems at home. Carpenter ants are particularly attracted to decaying wood. And as some of the most destructive ant species out there, you definitely don’t want them on your property.
Decaying wood can be found outside your home too. Be on the lookout for decaying tree branches and tree stumps. Cut them away and discard them to avoid attracting ants.
5. You don’t store your food properly
Ants are foragers. They industriously search for food in their vicinity. Even though different ant species have different food preferences, ants are generally not picky. They like fats, proteins, and sweets. This is why you also often see them in kitchens.
To avoid attracting ants, you should store your food in cabinets, containers, and refrigerators. If possible, use containers that are not easily penetrated, like glass and metal ones. Don’t forget to do this to pet food too. They are just as attractive to ants as your own food.
6. You don’t clean up immediately after eating
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are when eating, food crumbs and spills will always be there. Small food pieces break and fall on the floor. Drinking glasses can leave small droplets on the table. Remember that ants are small creatures. These small pieces of resources are enough to sustain them, so they are attracted to them.
It’s a good habit to clean up immediately after eating. Wipe countertops, floors, and tables. And don’t let the dishes stay on your sink for too long. Wash them as soon as you can.
7. You let your garbage cans overflow
Food and water are not just found in dining areas and kitchens. They can also be found in places where you don’t normally look for resources, like garbage cans. You have to think like an ant to realize that garbage cans are a haven of resources.
Make sure that garbage cans are inaccessible by keeping their lids down. To keep their lids down, make sure they are always emptied out. Garbage cans with their lids up are perfect targets for ants because they are easily accessible.
Having ants at home is preventable
You have ants at home because of easy access and the availability of resources. If you can control these two main reasons, you will significantly reduce the chances of having ant infestations at home.
Remember that ants can be dangerous in their own ways, so you have a reason to prevent them from thriving on your property.