Why Does My Ant Problem Keep Coming Back?

Do you often find yourself watching ants go about their business in your home and wonder why they keep coming back no matter how many times you try to get rid of them? It’s a common frustration many Colorado homeowners face and that’s why the local exterminators at EnviroPest are here to weigh in. In this article, we’ll share some common reasons why ants keeping coming back, how to prevent ant infestations, and of course, what the best way to get rid of ants is.

Why you can't get rid of ants for good 

Ants are following pheromone trails
Ants leave behind pheromone trails that guide other ants to food sources. Even if you clean up the visible trail, residual scent can remain, attracting more ants.

They’ve established nests inside the house
If you haven't located and treated ant nests inside your home, they will continue to produce new worker ants. Ants nests are often found within a home's walls, floors, and other hidden areas.

Outdoor access points make it easy for ants to get inside
Ants can enter homes through small cracks, gaps, and openings around doors, windows, and utility lines. If these access points are not sealed properly, ants will keep finding their way indoors.

The ant reinfestation is coming from somewhere outside
Most ants establish nests outdoors and forage inside for the food and water and may establish indoor nests if conditions are favorable. This can only happen if they can find a way in as we mentioned above.

Ants are drawn to food
If you have crumbs, spills, or improperly stored food, ants will keep returning.

They’re also attracted to water sources
Leaky pipes, faucets, and appliances act as a reliable water source for ants, as does moisture that accumulates in other parts of the house, especially kitchens and bathrooms.

Seasonal patterns effect ant behavior
Some ant species are more active during certain times of the year. They might seem to disappear for a while and then return. Understanding the seasonal patterns of ant activity can help you anticipate and manage infestations.

Ineffective pest treatments
While over-the-counter pesticides or other DIY solutions may provide temporary relief from ant infestation, they’re just that, temporary. They might kill off the ants crawling out in the open, but they do not reach the hidden nests. Unfortunately, if you do not treat the nest, ants will continue to be a problem.

Of course, there are other reasons that may be contributing to an ant problem. A licensed pest control company can help you determined the cause and offer a solution as well!

How to prevent ants in your home

To stop ants from getting indoors and establishing nests once they’re in, our local pest control pros recommend the following ant prevention tips:

• Thoroughly clean up any visible ant trails with soap and water
• Disinfect counters, floors, and other surfaces that might be part of an ant trail
• Keep your kitchen and dining areas spotless (no crumbs and no spills)
• Store food in containers that ants cannot get into
• Don’t leave pet food or water bowls out overnight
• Empty trash cans regularly
• Fix leaks
• Run a dehumidifier in damp areas
• Replace water damaged wood
• Seal all potential entry points
• Install door sweeps
• Repair damaged screens on windows and doors

What to do if your ant problem persists

To effectively stop your ant problem and prevent ants from returning, contact EnviroPest today! Offering home pest control services in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins, as well as throughout Northern Colorado, our locally operated pest control company is well-versed in fighting carpenter ants, sugar ants, and other types of ants that often infest homes in our region. Not only will we eliminate the ants you see, but we’ll also find the nest that is the source of the problem and take care of that too!

What’s more, our Colorado’s Choice SmartService is a year-round pest control plan that is designed to keep ants and other house-infesting pests out, no matter the season. Check out the plan details below or give us a shout to discuss your pest pressures.