Why Do I Have Ants in My Home? A First-Time Homeowner’s Guide

One of the most exciting events a person can experience is becoming a homeowner but discovering ants in your brand new space can quickly take away the excitement and replace it with frustration.

If this has happened to you and you are asking yourself, “why do I have ants in my house?” you are not the only one. Ant infestations are common in many new homes and understanding how to manage them is vital for maintaining a comfortable and clean living space.

As experts in pest control, we have curated the below guide to help you create ant free home for you and your loved ones.

Why are you seeing ants in your home?

When you move into a new property, it isn’t uncommon to come across pests, particularly ants. This is because the moving process can actually stir up some hidden ant colonies or even introduce new ants into your home through packing materials and moving boxes. So, if you are wondering, “why do I have ants?” consider whether your moving materials were kept outdoors or in storage areas for a period of time. These areas are prone to ant activity.

It is also important to note that previous occupants could have left behind spills, crumbs or even food residue in hidden areas of the home, without knowing, of course. Ants are sensitive to smell and are attracted to even the tiniest of food particles - so this could have plated a part in your infestation. With this in mind, clean and disinfect your new home and make sure to focus on overlooked areas such as pantry shelves and spaces beneath appliances.

Why are there ants in my new home’s bathroom?

Bathrooms can be a major issue for new homeowners. This is because they are attracted to moisture and seek out water sources which make bathrooms an ideal environment for infestation. Leaking pipes under the sink, toilet condensation or improperly sealed grout can go unnoticed during inspection. Ants are also known to use plumbing as highways, and enter homes through small cracks in pipes and faucets. In order to prevent ants from making a home in your bathroom, make sure to inspect your plumbing meticulously.

Seal leaks, replace grout and clean areas around toilets, sinks, tubs and showers regularly - this will eliminate standing water that can attract ants.

Common Reasons You Have Ants in your Home

If you find yourself overwhelmed by ants in your new house and are asking yourself, "why do I have so many ants in my house?" consider the following:

Unsealed Entry Points

Ants enter homes through tiny cracks and gaps in your home's exterior. Typical entry points include poorly sealed doors and windows, gaps in baseboards, and openings around electrical or plumbing installations. Carefully inspect your new home and use caulk or weather stripping to seal any visible gaps and cracks to prevent further entry.

Disturbed Outdoor Nests

If your home has recently undergone landscaping or construction, ant nests outdoors may have been disturbed in the process. Displaced ants often seek safety indoors which can lead to sudden infestations. Keep an eye out for ant trails around the exterior of your home, and consider treating the perimeter or calling professionals for a comprehensive assessment.

Lack of Pest Control

Homes that have been vacant for long periods of time often have unchecked pest populations. Ant colonies can rapidly expand without disturbance and this can result in substantial infestations by the time you move in. Early intervention with professional pest control treatments will save you significant stress and money later down the line.

First Steps to Get Rid of Ants in a New Home

Proactively addressing ant infestations early will make your transition smoother. Below are some actionable spring-cleaning checklist to eliminate hidden ant hotspots:

Deep Clean Before Fully Unpacking

Begin your pest prevention strategy by thoroughly cleaning your home. Vacuum all floors and carpets to remove any possible food crumbs and ant trails. Pay special attention to cleaning behind kitchen appliances like ovens and refrigerators, as stated previously, these are common hiding spots for ants.

Make sure to also wipe down cabinets, pantry shelves, countertops, and any other areas likely to have food residue. But - ensure all surfaces are dry after cleaning to deter ants attracted by moisture.

Inspect and Seal Entry Points

After cleaning, perform a detailed inspection of your home's interior and exterior for potential entry points. Check windows, doors, baseboards, and plumbing lines for gaps. Seal these areas with caulking or weatherproofing materials to block ants' entry paths.

Store Food Properly

Ants will continuously invade homes in search of easy food sources. Immediately transfer pantry items into airtight containers, especially sugars, cereals, and pet food. Keep your kitchen counters and dining areas free from spills and crumbs to further reduce ant attraction.

Should You Call a Pest Control Professional?

Despite thorough cleaning and careful sealing, ant infestations may persist. This usually suggests a hidden infestation that DIY methods might not fully eliminate. Persistent ant activity can indicate large colonies nesting in hard-to-reach areas such as within walls, beneath flooring, or underground near your home's foundation.

If ants continually reappear, investing in professional pest control is vital. The Excel Pest control professionals are equipped with specialised tools, products, and knowledge to identify hidden nests and provide long-term solutions. Our expert services are designed to protect your home from future infestations and help maintain a pest-free environment for years to come.

Working with a professional like Excel Pest Services ensures thorough inspection, precise identification of ant species, and targeted treatment plans tailored to your home's specific needs.

Understanding why ants invade your home and addressing their underlying causes with proactive cleaning and sealing measures ensures a pest-free start in your new home. If ant problems persist, promptly reaching out to pest control experts will provide peace of mind and secure a comfortable, ant-free living space.