6 Telltale Signs Your House Has an Ant Infestation

Ants may be tiny, but they’re resilient and persistent pests that can easily take over your home. You may not notice them sneaking in through your window or doors. Ants can get in anywhere, and once they establish their colony, they can grow in numbers and cause damage to your property. Knowing the signs of an ant infestation can help you take control of the situation before it gets worse. In this blog post, we’ll cover the six telltale signs that your house has an ant infestation and what you can do to stop them from taking over.

Ant Trails are An Easy Sign of Ant Infestation

One of the most obvious signs of an ant infestation is a visible ant trail. If you see a line of ants crawling on your walls or floors, it’s time to take action. Follow the trail to locate their entry point into your house and seal it with caulk or weatherstripping. The most common places ants enter the house are doors, windows, cracks in the foundation, and holes in the walls.

The Presence of Ant Nests Outside

If you notice ant nests in your yard or around your house exterior, there’s a good chance that these ants have made their way inside your house as well. Ants build their nests in secluded and dark areas, which on the inside of the house can be places like under the kitchen sink, behind appliances, in crawlspaces, and inside walls. If you can locate their nest, you can try to seal it off and wait for a professional ant control company to safely and effectively eliminate the nest.

Unusual Smells Could Mean Ant Infestation

Ants release pheromones to communicate with other ants, which can result in a distinct smell in the air. If you smell something unusual in your house, especially near the kitchen or pantry, it could be an indication of an ant infestation. Using an ant bait or spray can help eliminate the ants, but if the smell persists, it’s best to contact and hire a pest control professional.

Foliage Damage to Plants

You can also find signs of an ant infestation in your garden or potted plants. Some types of ants, like carpenter ants, feed on plant material and can cause significant damage to your foliage. If you suspect an infestation, check for any signs of leaf discoloration or holes in the stem, which could be caused by ants. Sprinkling cinnamon around your plants or using diatomaceous earth can help deter ants from entering your garden and eating your plants.

Piles of Dirt is an Indicator of An Ant Infestation

Ants excavate soil and create piles of dirt around their nests. If you find small piles of dirt indoors or outdoors, you may have an ant infestation. The dirt piles may be difficult to detect, as mentioned before ants are known for hiding their nests in discrete locations like cracks in the wall or under appliances. Look for dirt piles around doors, windows, and baseboards to help locate the nest.

Food Trails

Ants are attracted to food and will create trails leading to their food source. If you see ants crawling around your kitchen or pantry, it could be a sign that they’re attracted to your food. Be sure to clean up any spills or crumbs immediately, and store food in airtight containers to deter ants from getting in.

Final Thoughts on Handling an Ant Infestation

Ant infestations can be challenging to eliminate, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can take control of the situation before it gets worse. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, be sure to take action immediately. Eliminating ant infestations can be difficult and requires the help of professional pest control services in some cases. Keeping a clean and well-maintained house can also prevent ants from getting into your home. Remember to keep a watchful eye for ants and to always seal any cracks or entry points into your house.