Ants are one of the most common household pests, and once they invade, they can be difficult to remove. Whether it’s a line of ants in your kitchen, an infestation in your pantry, or unwanted visitors in your bathroom, getting rid of ants quickly is a priority for many homeowners.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to get rid of ants in your house fast, why ants invade homes, and the best methods to prevent them from coming back.
Why Are There Ants in My House?
Before jumping into extermination methods, it’s essential to understand why ants invade homes in the first place.
✅ Food Sources: Ants are attracted to sugary, greasy, and protein-rich foods, making your kitchen a prime target.
✅ Moisture & Water: Leaky pipes, pet water bowls, and damp areas provide ants with the moisture they need to survive.
✅ Shelter: During extreme weather conditions, ants seek indoor shelter to protect their colony.
✅ Scent Trails: Once a single ant finds food, it releases pheromones that guide others to the source, leading to large infestations.
How to Get Rid of Ants in the House Quickly
If you’re dealing with an ant infestation, follow these steps to eliminate them fast and keep them from returning.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Ants
Different ant species require different extermination methods. Some common household ants include:
- Carpenter Ants: These ants burrow into wood and can cause structural damage.
- Odorous House Ants: Small brown or black ants that give off a rotten coconut smell when crushed.
- Pavement Ants: Often seen on sidewalks and driveways but will enter homes for food.
- Pharaoh Ants: Tiny yellow ants that often infest kitchens and bathrooms.
If you’re unsure which type of ants you have, a professional pest control service can help with identification and proper treatment.
Step 2: Eliminate Food & Water Sources
To stop attracting ants into your home:
✅ Store food properly: Keep all food in sealed containers, especially sugar, cereal, and pet food.
✅ Clean up crumbs: Sweep and wipe down counters and floors regularly.
✅ Fix leaks: Repair any dripping faucets or leaking pipes.
✅ Empty trash frequently: Dispose of garbage regularly and use a trash can with a lid.
Step 3: Use Ant Baits & Traps
One of the most effective ways to get rid of ants is by using ant baits.
🔹 Gel Baits: Place in areas where ants are most active – kitchens, baseboards, and entry points.
🔹 Liquid Ant Bait Stations: Worker ants carry the bait back to the colony, eliminating the nest over time.
🔹 Diatomaceous Earth: A natural, non-toxic powder that dehydrates and kills ants on contact.
Avoid spraying insecticides directly on ants, as it may only kill visible ants and scatter the colony, making the problem worse.
Step 4: Seal Entry Points
Blocking access points prevents future ant infestations.
🔸 Seal Cracks & Gaps: Use caulk around windows, doors, and baseboards.
🔸 Inspect Electrical Outlets: Some ants travel through wiring and outlets, so be sure to check them.
🔸 Replace Damaged Weather Stripping: This prevents ants from sneaking in through gaps in doors and windows.
Step 5: Natural Ant Repellents
For those looking for chemical-free ant removal, try these natural remedies:
🍋 Lemon Juice: Wipe down counters and entry points with lemon juice to disrupt scent trails.
🌿 Peppermint Oil: Mix a few drops with water and spray around doors and windows.
🧂 Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon along baseboards to deter ants naturally.
🧼 Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray where ants are seen.
Step 6: When to Call a Professional Exterminator
If DIY methods don’t work, professional pest control services may be necessary, especially for:
⚠️ Large infestations that return despite multiple treatments.
⚠️ Carpenter ant infestations that could cause structural damage.
⚠️ Difficult-to-access nests hidden inside walls, floors, or ceilings.
A professional exterminator will use targeted treatments that eliminate the entire colony, preventing future infestations.
How to Prevent Ants from Coming Back
Once you’ve removed the ants, take these steps to prevent future infestations:
✔ Keep surfaces clean: Wipe counters and tables daily to remove food residue.
✔ Seal entry points: Regularly inspect for cracks and crevices that need sealing.
✔ Maintain outdoor landscaping: Trim tree branches and keep mulch away from the home foundation.
✔ Store pet food properly: Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
By maintaining a clean and sealed home, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of ants returning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the fastest way to get rid of ants in the house?
A: The fastest way is to use ant baits combined with cleaning food sources and sealing entry points to prevent re-entry.
Q: What kills ants instantly?
A: Sprinkling diatomaceous earth or using boiling water can kill ants quickly. However, bait traps are best for long-term colony elimination.
Q: Why do ants keep coming back even after I clean?
A: Ants leave behind pheromone trails, guiding others to food sources. Unless you eliminate the entire colony, they will continue to return.
Q: Does vinegar kill ants?
A: Vinegar doesn’t kill ants, but it disrupts their scent trails, making it harder for them to navigate your home.
Q: How do I get rid of carpenter ants in my house?
A: Carpenter ants require baiting and insecticide dust treatments, as well as fixing any moisture-damaged wood where they might be nesting.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of ants in the house quickly requires a multi-step approach, including removing food sources, using baits, sealing entry points, and applying natural repellents.
For small infestations, DIY methods may work, but for severe or recurring ant problems, calling a professional exterminator is the best long-term solution.
If you’re struggling with ants in your home, contact Avayda Pest Control today for expert ant removal services and prevention solutions!
