Ants are most commonly associated with summer, but while they are less active in colder months, they are nevertheless always searching for warmth, shelter, and food. Unfortunately, most homes provide ample amounts of all three, so unaware homeowners could come under attack if they're not careful.
In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the most likely entry points ants could be using to get into your home, and steps you can take to stop them.
Windows
The windows are one of the most common points of entry for ants, especially on warmer days when they are left open to let in the breeze. While your windows will probably be closed for most of this winter, the windows on your home can nevertheless serve as an entrance into your home.
Look for any holes in the window itself, as well as around the frame and in the screen, and repair them where possible. Beyond keeping ants out, this type of measure can also help reduce energy costs by giving heat less chance to escape.
You should also check around windows for any signs of moisture or rotten wood, as these weak points can are very inviting for ant invaders. And like sealing holes in and around windows, fixing up any rot in your home's wood early can save you from costly repairs in the long-term.
Doors
In many cases, unaware homeowners can allow ants to get in using the same method they themselves use: just walk right in the front door! As with your windows, your doors shouldn't be open any longer than necessary in winter months to avoid letting in cold air, but ants can often find a way inside through the door regardless of if it's opened or closed.
Check the seals on the top, bottom, and side of the door. While the seal on the bottom of the threshold is most important, as poor sealing here allows ants to simply crawl across the ground into your home, holes accessed climbing the walls or ceiling can still present easy access for ants. Consider investing in a door sweep along the bottom of the door for additional protection.
As you inspect the doors around your home, pay close attention to doors that see less-frequent use, as their seals are more likely to deteriorate unnoticed. Make sure every door in your home can close effectively, and the door sticks, get it repaired so that it can swing freely and close as intended.
Foundation
Even if your home rests on a strong foundation, gaps in the foundation created during construction can still keep it from being completely airtight. Unfortunately, even the smallest gap can provide ants entry, making the foundation one of the most common areas for ants to get in from the outside - especially for pavement ants.
Inspect the foundation of your home thoroughly and repair any holes or gaps you find where possible. You may need to consult with a professional in order to seal holes effectively.
Colonies can also often be found underneath concrete slab, so spray in or around this area as well in order to create a protective well around it.
Bathrooms
Ants are attracted to areas around the house with high moisture content, and many species, such as the carpenter ant, like to build nests in damp areas. These factors make the bathroom of any home one of the most likely areas for ant activity.
Inspect each bathroom in your home thoroughly for any signs of ant presence, as well as for any signs of leaking or dripping around sinks, toilets, and tubs. You should also make sure lotion and shampoo bottles are secured and have no signs of holes are spillage that could indicate ants have found a way inside.
Scrub the floors with disinfectant and wipe down drawers with soapy water to prevent ants from leaving chemical trails on bathroom surfaces.
Utility Lines
Utilities like electricity, cable, water, and natural gas are all fed in and out of your home through cables and pipes. Since they provide a direct link between the inside and outside, the holes that surround utility lines are common hotbeds of ant activity.
Do the best you can to seal the holes around utility lines as best as possible, and caulk any cracks or small holes you find near these areas.
Unfortunately, sealing every potential hole an ant colony could use to break into your home is difficult if not impossible for the average homeowner to do alone. If you want to keep ants out for good, your best option is always to get your home treated by a licensed and certified pest control specialist.
For more great tips and strategies to help you keep your house ant-free, download our free informative guide, How to Keep Ants Out of Your Atlanta-area Home, and start ant-proofing your home today!
