Ants in the Garage: Why They’re There and How to Get Rid of Them

an organized garageGarages are handy places to store vehicles, sporting equipment, exercise machines, and tools. But they are also attractive spaces for ants to move into and take up residence. If you have ants in your garage, the issue could be more severe than you might initially think because of all the access points to boxes, attics, and the main house.

 

Here are some tips for dealing with ants in a garage and insights about what drew them into this area of your property in the first place.

 

Why Ants Like Garages

 

One of the most common types of ants living in garages is the carpenter ant because this type of ant loves wood frames and structures. Many garages have exposed wood areas that are not sealed and offer easy entry points. Garages may accumulate moisture due to car tires and shoes that make the floor wet during rainy and snowy days. Ant in garage problems can get even worse if you store pet food in your garage or leave open trash containers in your garage.

 

Signs of Ants in Garages

 

If you knock on wooden structures in your garage and hear a hollow sound, it could be due to carpenter ants digging through the wood to make nests. You may notice droppings from ants in your garage or find holes in bags of pet food you have stored in the area. Doors that stick, floors that sag, and walls that bulge are other signs of damage that may be due to an ant infestation.

 

How to Get Rid of Ants in a Garage

 

Some baits and traps can be used to eliminate ants from garages. These extermination strategies have long-term effects and can be very effective for ridding your property of ants. You might try mixing equal parts water and vinegar with a few drops of liquid dish soap as a DIY strategy. It is also helpful to identify ant nests to know where ants are coming from and gathering together.

 

Make a point to inspect vehicles parked in your car for ant activity, as well as storage boxes and other items you don’t access regularly. Inspect the outside perimeter around your garage to see if ants are active in the outdoor areas nearby. Going forward, avoid keeping trash, food, or seeds in your garage to deter ants. Clean up excess moisture as soon as possible inside the garage so that it is less attractive to pests as well.

 

When to Call a Professional for an Ants in Garage Situation

 

If the ants in your garage seem like more than you can handle with an easy DIY approach, Precise Termite and Pest Control is here to help. We assist New Jersey residents with prompt, professional, and effective ant control services every day and know what it takes to keep garages free of ants.

 

At the first sign of ants in your garage, we recommend calling us at 866-971-2847 for a free inspection. We look forward to helping you make the most of your home’s garage space without any ant issues!