A clean home can still be home to different species of ants. These pests constantly look for food sources and will alert the rest of their colony when they find one. This results in you seeking a steady trail marching across your floors or countertops. You can prevent an ant infestation if you know what draws them inside. Also, a pest control expert at Saela Pest Control can help you identify common attractants that can lead ants to your living space. These attractants include the following:
Sweet Food Items
The sweet scent of sugar travels far. Ants prefer sugary substances because they provide quick energy for the colony. Kitchen spaces are usually their first target to find anything sweet. This can include spilled juice, honey drips, or crumbs from breakfast pastries. Pet food with sweet coatings or flavored water dishes can also serve as a source. You can prevent ants from discovering your sweet items if you keep sugary items sealed and clean up spills right away. Also, wipe surfaces with mild vinegar or citrus-based cleaners to remove the chemical trails ants leave behind to guide others.
Protein and Grease
Ants can be drawn to your home if they can sense the presence of greasy leftovers, meat scraps, and oil residue around stoves or sinks. Certain species, like pavement ants and carpenter ants, seek out protein-rich food to feed their growing colonies. They target foods like pet kibble, bits of cheese, or meat crumbs under dining tables. Even a small drop of cooking oil can keep them coming back.
In addition, ants may explore old dish rags or unwashed dishes left overnight. Wipe down cooking areas and store food in sealed containers to stop these uninvited guests from turning your kitchen into their next food source.
Moisture Around the Home
Ants need water just like any other living creature. Orem’s dry climate can push them indoors to find a source. They can get water from leaky faucets, damp rags, and condensation around windows or pipes. Also, standing water in plant saucers or pet bowls also draws them in. Carpenter ants seek moist wood as nesting material, which means leaks under sinks or around windows can be their shelter and food source. Check for plumbing leaks and drying wet surfaces to cut off one reason for ant activity. Also, repair moisture issues early to prevent other pests that thrive in damp conditions.
Trash and Recycling Areas
The combination of sweet, greasy, and decomposing materials in garbage bins provides everything they need. Even small bits of residue left on containers or bottles in the recycling bin can attract them. Outdoor trash cans close to entry points can lead ants indoors. So, keep trash cans tightly sealed and rinse recyclables before disposal. This reduces the scent trails that ants follow. Take out the garbage frequently to prevent odors and keep foragers from building patterns that lead back inside.
Hidden Food Sources You Might Overlook
Tiny food bits trapped in floor cracks, under appliances, or behind furniture can become long-term attractants. Pantries are another common hiding spot for overlooked food residue. Ants cannot resist unsealed bags of cereal, sugar, or pet treats. Even dry goods like flour or grains can attract species that prefer starchy foods. Thus, you should clean under appliances and sweep corners. Also, inspect pantry shelves to cut off these unnoticed sources.
Houseplants as Unexpected Lures
The soil in houseplants provides moisture. Also, decaying leaves or natural sap can serve as food for these pests. Aphids or other small insects living on houseplants also release honeydew, a sugary substance ants collect and protect. So, replace soi and trim infested leaves. Also, wipe pots with soapy water to keep the problem under control. Avoid overwatering plants, since excess moisture encourages ants and aphids to thrive.