How to Prevent Ants From Invading Your Home

Ant infestations are preventable, provided that effective methods are applied and consistently maintained. Our detailed prevention guide delivers actionable insights to support your efforts.

Because infestations vary, it’s essential to evaluate your specific situation, accurately identify the ant species, and determine the root cause of the activity to select the most effective response or consider professional intervention.

Where Are You Most Likely to Find Ants

Ants are usually attracted to sources of food and water, but they can also show up in unexpected spots. Most of the time, they’re searching for supplies to bring back to their colony. Below are some of the most common areas where ants tend to appear in and around your home:

• Dining Rooms

• Kitchens

• Air Vents

• Windows 

• Door Frames

• Bathrooms (near toilets, sinks, and tubs)

• Along the edges of the ceiling, floor boards, and baseboards

How to Prevent Ants in Your Home

Dealing with ants after they’ve settled in can be frustrating. That’s why it’s best to block them from getting in at all. Try these quick and easy prevention tips to stay ahead of the problem:

Keep Areas Clean and Tidy

Keeping your home clean is one of the simplest ways to keep ants away. Without access to food, they’re likely to move on. Pay close attention to the following areas:

• Cleanliness: Make sure your kitchen stays tidy and free of crumbs that can attract ants.
• Trash: Empty your trash frequently and use bins with tight-fitting, secure lids to block access.
• Food Storage: Keep all opened or loose food in sealed, airtight containers to prevent access.
• Surfaces: Wipe down countertops and sweep the floors regularly. Using soapy water can help remove the scent trails ants leave behind.
• Fruit: Store ripe fruit in the refrigerator rather than leaving it out on the counters.
• Pet Bowls: Only leave food and water out for pets during mealtimes. Any leftovers in bowls can quickly attract ants.

Seal Up Your Home

Ants don’t give up easily. Once they’ve found a way inside, they’ll keep coming back. That’s why sealing entry points like cracks and gaps is so important. Be sure to take the following steps:

• Exterior Inspections: Check the outside of your home often for cracks or openings, and seal up any spots where ants could get in.
• Windows & Doors: Inspect all windows and doors closely. Use weatherstripping to close up any small gaps that could serve as entry points.
• Screens: Consider adding screens to help keep ants and other pests from finding their way inside.

Landscaping and Yard Maintenance

Where are the ants coming from? Most of the time, they originate in your yard. A tidy outdoor space can go a long way in keeping them out of your home. Try these proven methods to stop ants from moving in from outside:

• Manage Yard Waste: Clear away fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris regularly, and place them in a compost bin to avoid creating inviting spots for ants to nest.
• Mulch Alternatives: Skip natural mulches like pine straw near your home. Instead, use materials like stone or lava rock, which are less attractive to ants.
• Trim Trees & Shrubs: Ants can use overhanging branches and nearby plants as bridges into your home. Keep them trimmed back from walls and the roofline.
• Control Drainage: Make sure your yard drains properly and doesn’t collect water. Excess moisture can attract ants, so keeping things dry is key.
• Store Firewood Properly: Stack firewood away from the house to limit the chances of ants or even termites getting too close to your home.

Avoid Excess Moisture in the Home

Since ants are drawn to moisture, it’s important to keep your indoor spaces dry. Fix leaks as soon as you notice them, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Here are some straightforward ways to prevent moisture buildup in your home:

• Fix Leaks: Repair any dripping pipes and check under sinks frequently for signs of moisture. If you find any unexpected damp spots, track down and fix the source.
• Use a Dehumidifier: Set up a dehumidifier in areas prone to dampness, such as basements or crawl spaces, to help lower humidity levels.
• Maintain Gutters & Downspouts: Keep gutters and downspouts clear and functioning well to avoid water pooling near your home’s foundation.

How to Keep Ants Away Naturally

It’s possible to prevent ants naturally, but it takes more effort. For existing infestations, all-natural remedies aren’t usually powerful enough to eliminate the problem entirely. That said, here are some natural approaches you can use to deter ants:

Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural ant repellent thanks to its strong smell, which disrupts their scent trails and confuses their navigation. To use, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to spots where ants are active.

Essential Oils

Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and citrus (such as lemon or orange) can temporarily repel ants. Combine a few drops of your chosen oil with water in a spray bottle, then spray areas where ants are entering or gathering.

Coffee Grounds

Sprinkling used coffee grounds around your home’s entry points, along ant paths, or near the foundation can help keep ants away. While this method can be effective, some people may dislike the look of coffee grounds and may prefer professional pest control.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) offers a safe, non-toxic way to control ants around your home. Made from fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms, this fine powder kills ants by dehydrating them on contact. Always use food-grade DE to ensure safety for pets and humans. If ants keep coming back, it could signal a larger infestation requiring professional help.

Do Perimeter Treatments Prevent Ants?

Depending on the type and seriousness of your ant problem, perimeter treatments are a common method used by ant control experts.

Perimeter treatments involve applying targeted insecticides, repellents, or bait stations around your home’s foundation, entryways, and other vulnerable spots to stop ants from coming inside. These treatments kill current ants and help keep new colonies from establishing. When used consistently, they significantly lower the chances of ants and other pests entering your home.

Are Regular Inspections Important to Prevent Ants?

Regularly inspecting your home is essential for ant prevention. Look carefully for cracks, openings, and damp areas that could invite ants.

If you want added confidence, consider booking a full inspection with our ant control professionals. Routine check-ups help us monitor ant activity and apply treatments as needed. Contact us today! At Arrow Environmental Services, we’re skilled in handling all types of ants. Whether you’re currently facing an infestation or looking to prevent one, we’ve got your back.