Symptoms
- Line or trail of small ants on counters, floors, or near food
- Ants concentrated around a specific food source, sink, or trash area
- Trail seems to follow the same path repeatedly
Likely causes
- CommonFood or crumbs left accessibleAnts send scouts to find food, and once found, mark a scent trail for others to follow.
- CommonNest just outside near the foundation, drawn in by an entry pointSmall gaps around pipes, windows, or the foundation give easy access from an outdoor colony.
- PossibleMoisture source attracting ants, like a sink or leaky pipeSome ant species are drawn to water sources as much as food.
What to do
- Wipe up the visible trail with soapy water, which removes the scent trail and disrupts their path temporarily.
- Clean counters, floors, and pantry areas thoroughly, and store food, especially sweets, in sealed containers.
- Take out trash regularly and keep bins sealed, since food waste is a major attractant.
- Follow the trail back as far as you can to find the entry point, often along a baseboard, window, or under an appliance.
- Seal small entry gaps with caulk once found.
- Use ant bait stations near the trail rather than a spray, since bait lets workers carry poison back to kill the colony rather than just the ants you see.
- Consider a pest control professional if ants persist despite cleaning, sealing, and baiting, since some species need more targeted treatment.
Tools and parts
- Cleaning spray
- Caulk gun
Ant bait stationsSearch: “indoor ant bait stations”
When to call a pro
Call a pest control professional if ants keep returning despite cleaning, sealing entry points, and using bait.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.