How Do You Get Rid of Ants in the House?

To get rid of ants in the house, start by cutting off what draws them in: crumbs, spills, open food and standing water. Then wipe away their scent trails, which other ants follow, and use bait stations so worker ants carry the bait back to the colony. Finally, seal the cracks and gaps where they enter. Spraying the ants you can see often removes only a small fraction of the colony, so a combination of cleaning, baiting and sealing usually works best.

Ants are among the most common household pests, especially in spring and summer. Most are a nuisance rather than a danger, but a steady line marching across your counter is something nobody wants.

Why ants come inside

Ants are scouts. A few workers explore for food and water, and when they find something, they leave a chemical trail for others to follow. That is why one ant can turn into dozens within hours.

Common attractions include:

• Crumbs and food residue on counters, floors and tables.
• Sugary spills, such as juice, syrup and soda.
• Pet food left out in bowls.
• Open containers of cereal, sugar, honey and snacks.
• Garbage and recycling with food residue.
• Moisture from leaky pipes, sinks and damp areas.

Weather changes, like heavy rain or a dry spell, can also push ants indoors in search of shelter, food or water.

Step 1: Identify the trail

Before you clean, take a moment to watch where the ants are going. Follow the line in both directions if you can. Knowing where they enter and what they are after helps you target the problem and place baits in the right spots.

Step 2: Remove food and water sources

• Wipe counters and tables after every meal.
• Sweep and vacuum regularly, especially under appliances and furniture.
• Store food in airtight containers, including sugar, flour, cereal and snacks.
• Rinse dishes promptly instead of leaving them in the sink.
• Take out the trash often and keep bins clean and covered.
• Rinse recycling before putting it in the bin.
• Pick up pet food after feeding time, or place bowls in a shallow dish of water as a moat.
• Fix drips and leaks under sinks and around appliances.

Without easy food, ants have less reason to stick around.

Step 3: Erase scent trails

Ants follow invisible pheromone trails. Wiping them away helps break the line.

A simple solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle works well for many people. Spray along the trail and wipe it clean. Soapy water also works. Repeat wherever you see ants traveling.

Keep in mind that cleaning the trail does not destroy the colony. It only disrupts the ants’ path, which is why baiting is often the next step.

Step 4: Use bait stations

Ant baits combine an attractive food with a slow-acting ingredient. Worker ants carry the bait back to the nest and share it, which can affect the rest of the colony, including the queen.

Tips for using baits

• Place baits along trails and near entry points, not in random spots.
• Do not spray or clean right next to baits, since you want ants to find them.
• Be patient. You may see more ants at first as they gather around the bait. That is a sign it is working.
• Give it time. It can take several days to a couple of weeks to see a clear drop in activity.
• Keep baits out of reach of children and pets, and follow all label directions.

Different ant species prefer different foods, so if one type of bait is ignored, a different formula may work better.

Step 5: Seal entry points

Ants can squeeze through tiny openings. Look for:

• Gaps around windows and doors.
• Cracks in foundations and walls.
• Openings around pipes, cables and vents.
• Gaps under baseboards and around countertops.

Seal small gaps with caulk and fix damaged weatherstripping and door sweeps. Repair torn window screens.

Step 6: Manage the outdoors

What happens outside often affects what happens inside.

• Trim plants and branches so they do not touch your house, since ants use them as bridges.
• Keep mulch and soil a few inches away from your foundation.
• Move firewood and debris away from the house.
• Clean up fallen fruit and outdoor food spills.
• Check outdoor trash cans and keep lids closed.

Natural deterrents people try

Some people use household items to discourage ants, such as wiping surfaces with vinegar, placing citrus peels or cinnamon near entry points, or sprinkling a line of chalk. These may help as mild deterrents along with good cleaning, but they generally do not eliminate a colony on their own.

When ants may be a bigger issue

Some ants need more attention than others. Be alert if you notice:

• Large black ants around damp wood, along with small piles of sawdust-like material. These could be carpenter ants, which can damage wood.
• Ants that sting or bite aggressively.
• Ants returning repeatedly despite cleaning and baiting.
• Ants coming from inside walls, floors or electrical outlets.

In these situations, a pest control professional can identify the species, find the nest and recommend appropriate treatment.

Preventing ants from coming back

• Keep the kitchen clean and dry daily.
• Store food in sealed containers.
• Fix leaks promptly.
• Seal new cracks as they appear.
• Check entry points each spring before ant season peaks.

The bottom line

Getting rid of ants is about removing what they want, interrupting their trails and dealing with the colony rather than just the ants you see. Clean up food and moisture, wipe away scent trails, use baits patiently and seal entry points. If the problem persists or you suspect carpenter ants, a pest professional can help.