Why Are Ants Invading My Home? Top Reasons Why and What You Can Do About It
Ant control in North and South Carolina can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. With an estimated 20 quadrillion ants on Earth, it is no surprise that these tiny troops occasionally stage an invasion of our homes. For many North and South Carolina residents, the sight of a thin, winding trail of ants marching across the kitchen counter is all too familiar.
But why do these miniature invaders choose our homes as their new territory? The answer is simple: they’re on a mission for food and shelter. Ants are nature’s efficient scavengers, always on the lookout for new food sources.
What typically happens first is scout ants search for ideal spots to set up a colony. If they discover food crumbs, easy water access, and cozy hiding places in your home, more ants will follow. That’s how infestations begin. In this article, we’ll look at the top causes of ant invasions in the Carolinas and provide tips on removing these unwanted houseguests.
1. You’re Leaving Out Food
Ants are always on the hunt for food and shelter. Leaving food out in the open is like rolling out the red carpet for these tiny invaders. This is why most ant problems start in the kitchen (where there is food) before spreading to other areas of your home where you might have snacks or crumbs. Ants are particularly drawn to sugary substances, so things like soda cans, sweet snacks, and even fruits can invite them quickly and in large numbers.
What You Can Do:
Keep your kitchen clean by wiping down counters and sweeping floors regularly. Store food in airtight containers or zip-lock bags to cut off easy access. Another helpful tip is to take out the trash frequently, especially if it contains food scraps.
2. You Have Ants That Feed on Rotting Wood
When wood in your home gets wet, it holds onto moisture. This damp environment becomes a perfect feast for carpenter ants. These industrious insects munch their way through the soft, rotting wood, creating tunnels and hideouts. What’s more, the paths carved by carpenter ants can serve as highways for other ant species or pests to enter your home.
What You Can Do:
The most effective solution is to replace the damaged wood. However, it’s equally important to find and fix the source of the problem. Often, rotting wood is a sign of a hidden water leak. You should inspect your home for signs of water damage or leaks and fix any plumbing issues.
3. Your Pipes and Faucets are Leaking
Dripping pipes and faucets are often behind rotting wood in most North Carolina homes. But that’s not all. These leaks also provide ants with the vital resource that is water. Like all living creatures, ants need water to thrive and multiply. Hidden leaks from toilets and other plumbing fixtures can create damp spots that ants love, especially in hard-to-see areas of your home.
By the time an infestation becomes noticeable, significant damage may have already occurred.
What You Can Do:
Regular home inspections are your best defense against these types of ant invasions in North Carolina. Look out for water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors, musty odors, and unexplained increases in water bills to determine where the leaks are and stop them.
4. You Have Greasy Surfaces
Leftover grease and food bits on surfaces can turn your home into an ant magnet. We often overlook small spills, like a splash of olive oil near the stove or crumbs under the toaster. While these might seem minor to us, they’re a feast for ants. Think about a drop of syrup on your counter – it’s barely noticeable to you, but it’s like striking gold for an ant colony.
What You Can Do:
To improve ant control in South Carolina, start by wiping down food containers and any surfaces that might leave a sticky residue. Pay extra attention to your stove after cooking, as this area tends to collect the most food particles.
If Ants Persist, Clark’s Can Help
While ants play a crucial role in our ecosystem, their presence in our homes is often unwelcome. So, what can North Carolina homeowners do to keep these persistent pests at bay when all else fails?
Ant control in North Carolina can sometimes be hard, even after following the steps above. If this happens, then turning to the experts might be the only viable solution. The good news is that North and South Carolina residents have Clark’s Termite & Pest Control to turn to.
We have been the go-to Carolina ant exterminator for over 10 years, and we’re proud to say that during our time we’ve helped homes and businesses alike get rid of ants in the fastest and most environmentally friendly way possible.
If you’re in North Carolina looking for an affordable ant control company that never compromises on the quality of work, we are here for you. Contact us today at 866-781-4991 to talk to a Carolina ant exterminator.