Where Ants Come From and How to Get Rid of Them

Typically, ants are attracted to sticky residue and moisture. They will often build a “chemical trail” to a food source.

Ants will also enter a home through exterior gaps and holes. These areas are often left open due to physical reasons or environmental factors.

If you have noticed ants around your home, you can begin the ant removal process by sweeping and cleaning the areas where they are commonly found. Using a wet sponge, remove any ants that are present.

If you have a hive of ants in your home, you can also remove them by using a borax bait. These are small containers that can be put on the ant entry points. You can also pour a mixture of water and salt into a bottle spray and spray it on the ant path.

Some ants will enter a home through holes and cracks in the foundation. You can also find them in areas of insulation or within a warm home.

Carpenter ants build nests inside and outside wood. These nests contain a queen and eggs. Some colonies will remain in a single location for years. Others will relocate when the food source becomes unavailable.

Pavement ants (also called sugar ants) are common in kitchens and pantry areas. They are small, brown, and have tiny bodies. These ants are also attracted to food scraps.

Argentine ants are a light brown, 2.2-2.8 mm in length. They build their nests in fibrous materials. They live in colonies, which can include several million ants.