Ants live nearly everywhere all around the world – in distant lands, close to home, and right in our own backyards. Ants are an important part of the natural ecosystem, but of course, they belong outside in nature and not inside our homes.
Here are some answers to the question of “how do ants get in your house?” and solutions for what to do when you discover ants indoors.
Cracks in Walls
Even the most expertly crafted houses are prone to cracking over time. Ants are tiny creatures, so it should come as no surprise that they can squeeze through miniature cracks that go unnoticed by the human eye. Cracking often occurs around door and window frames, as well as where the walls meet the floors and ceilings.
Windows and Doors
Ants often access homes through windows and doors that are left open to allow some fresh air inside. Ants easily crawl through screens and can even sneak in quickly as you are entering and exiting your home.
The Floors
Regardless of whether you have hardwood floors, tile floors, or carpeting, ants can access a home through the flooring. Ants often live underground and come in through surfaces of a floor covering or by squeezing through the sub-flooring.
The Foundation
The foundation of your home is also a common entry point for ants because this part of the home is prone to gaps over time. Ants that enter a home through the foundation can cause major structural damage if nothing is done about the situation promptly.
Utility Lines
The various utilities that you pay for in your home – water, gas, electricity, and cable TV – can also help ants take up residence at your house. When utility lines are installed, intentional gaps are created to run the wiring. Ants can find their way through these gaps and start multiplying inside a home.
Carried Inside by Accident
Even if your house is in perfect condition, ants can still get inside if you accidently bring them in with you. Kids or pets carrying toys inside could be bringing ants along with them. Another common cause is plants that are brought from the outdoors to inside a home so that they don’t freeze during cold weather.
What to Do When You Find Ants in Your House
If you discover ants inside your home, it is a good idea to follow the trail of ants to see how they are coming in. For minor ant issues, you may try spraying the entry point and infested area with a commercial product or DIY recipe for ant control. But if you want to be sure that ants are out of your space and don’t come back, it is best to call a professional to assess the entry point situation and take care of all possible access areas.
Precise Termite & Pest Control offers free ant inspections to help you prevent ant problems and take care of existing infestations. We will determine the type of ants you’re dealing with, the extent of the infestation, and how to keep the ants away for good. If you don’t take action on an ant problem right away, you could risk contaminating the food in your house, putting the structural integrity of your home at risk, and having many sleepless nights just thinking about the creepy feeling of ants crawling all over you!
Contact us any time you suspect an ant issue in your home and we will get the situation handled quickly, efficiently, and affordably.