Finding ants crawling around your house is never any fun. When ants slip into your home, they often head straight to your kitchen. Unfortunately, there may be things in your kitchen that ants find appealing. To keep ants away, you need to understand why they are present. Check out a few things that can attract ants to your kitchen.
Food
Worker ants leave the nest in search of food. They head indoors hoping to find a tasty treat to eat and take back to the rest of the colony. These pests are attracted to grease and sugar. Some ants may also prefer protein. Crumbs and spills can lead ants to your kitchen. You don’t want to leave dirty dishes in the sink either. Residue in your trash bin can also attract ants.
Pet Food
Your food isn’t the only potential snack for these pests. Ants won’t pass up your furry family member’s food. Be sure to regularly check for ants. If your pets aren’t eating, it’s best to put their food away. Store their food in sealed containers instead of in the bag. If your pet makes a mess while eating, be sure to clean up their crumbs.
Water
Ants aren’t just looking for something to eat. They also need access to water. If your home has any leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or clogged drains, ants may show up. Spills from your pet’s water bowl can also provide ants with water. Excess moisture in your home can lead to wood damage. Carpenter ants often build nests in damp or rotting wood, so it’s important to keep your house as dry as possible.
Shelter
When conditions outside become too harsh, ants are likely to sneak into your home. Though ants prefer warm weather, it can become too hot for them. Your home can give them a place to cool off. They also move indoors to escape the rain. If their nests are flooded, they may seek shelter in your house. Once inside, they can hide in cracks, crevices, and even in walls.
Pheromone Trails
When an ant finds a good food source, they release pheromones. This creates a trail that allows the ant to find its way back. The pheromones they release can also alert other ants to their location, which can cause ants to show up in your house. To remove these pheromones and prevent ants from returning, you can spray the area with a mixture of vinegar and water.
Many things can make your home welcoming to ants. Identifying and removing these attractants can help keep your kitchen free of ants. If you’re dealing with an invading ant army, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.