Ants seem to appear out of nowhere. One day, everything looks fine, and the next, there’s a trail of them marching across the kitchen counter. Getting rid of them isn’t just about spraying some bug killer and hoping for the best. If the problem isn’t handled the right way, they’ll keep coming back.
Where Are They Coming From?
Ants don’t need much space to get inside. A small crack in the wall, a gap around a window, or even a tiny opening near a pipe is enough. Once they find their way in, they leave behind a scent trail so the rest of the colony can follow. This is why squashing the few you see doesn’t solve the problem—there are always more on the way.
They’re usually after food, water, or both. Kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms are their favorite spots, but they can pop up anywhere if something is drawing them in. The best way to stop them is by making sure they don’t find what they’re looking for in the first place.
How to Keep Ants Out
Stopping ants before they move in is much easier than dealing with them later. Keeping the apartment clean and sealing off entry points makes a huge difference.
Eliminate Food Sources
Ants aren’t picky eaters. Anything from a single bread crumb to a drop of spilled juice can bring them inside.
Store food properly
Open bags of snacks, boxes of cereal, and sugar left out in the open are easy targets. Using airtight containers keeps food sealed and harder for ants to detect.
Wipe down surfaces
Kitchen counters, tables, and even the floor can hold tiny bits of food or sticky spots that attract ants. A quick wipe with soap and water removes their food supply.
Wash dishes promptly
Dirty dishes in the sink are an open invitation. Even a small amount of leftover food on a plate can bring ants inside.
Cut Off Their Water Supply
Ants need water just as much as food. A damp environment makes an apartment more inviting to them.
Fix leaks
A slow drip under the sink or a damp rag left on the counter provides enough moisture to keep ants coming back.
Dry the sink
Wiping out the sink at night prevents standing water from attracting ants.
Check pet bowls
If ants are gathering around pet food or water dishes, placing them on a raised surface or wiping up spills helps keep them away.
Seal Up Entry Points
Since ants are tiny, they can fit through nearly invisible cracks. Finding and sealing those gaps is key to keeping them out.
Use caulk
Small gaps around windows, doors, and walls can be filled with caulk to block ant access.
Check for holes near pipes
Where plumbing enters the apartment, small spaces can form over time. Filling those gaps stops ants from sneaking in.
Add weather stripping
If ants are slipping in under doors, a simple weather strip can close the gap.
How to Get Rid of Ants Already Inside
If ants have already made their way in, dealing with them properly will prevent them from sticking around.
Don’t Just Kill the Ones You See
Spraying visible ants with bug spray might seem like an easy fix, but it doesn’t solve the real problem. The colony still exists, and more will come. Instead of focusing on the ants in sight, the goal should be eliminating the entire colony.
Use Ant Bait, Not Just Spray
Ant baits work better than sprays because they let ants carry poison back to their colony. The worker ants bring it home, feeding it to the queen and others. Once the queen dies, the entire colony collapses.
Choose the right bait
Some ants prefer sugary foods, while others go for protein or grease. If one type of bait isn’t working, switching to another kind might be needed.
Be patient
Fast-acting baits kill ants too quickly, stopping them from spreading the poison. Slow-acting baits work better because they allow more ants to carry the poison back.
Erase Their Trails
Ants leave behind invisible scent trails to guide others to food. Even after cleaning up crumbs, these trails can still exist.
Use vinegar and water
A simple mix of vinegar and water helps break down the chemical trails ants leave behind.
Try dish soap
Soap and water also remove ant trails, making it harder for others to follow the same path.
Find the Nest
If ants keep coming back, they may have a nest nearby. Some species, like carpenter ants, build their nests inside walls or wooden furniture. Others might have a colony outside and are just coming in for food.
Follow the trail
Watching where ants go can lead straight to their nest.
Look for sawdust or hollow-sounding wood
Carpenter ants tunnel through wood, leaving small piles of sawdust near their nests.
Why Some Ants Keep Coming Back
Even after taking all the right steps, some ant problems don’t go away easily. Certain species are harder to eliminate and may require extra effort.
Outdoor Colonies Keep Sending Ants Inside
If ants are coming from an outdoor colony, just cleaning up inside won’t stop them. Treating the area outside the apartment may be necessary.
Use outdoor bait
Placing bait stations outside helps cut off ants before they enter.
Trim back plants and trees
Branches touching the building can act as a bridge for ants.
The Wrong Bait Is Being Used
Not all ants eat the same thing. If one bait isn’t working, trying a different type can make a difference. Some ants prefer sweet food, while others go for protein or grease.
The Colony Is Too Large
Some ant colonies are massive, with thousands of ants. In cases like this, a single bait station may not be enough. Using multiple baits and keeping them in place for a few weeks increases the chances of success.
A New Colony Has Moved In
Even if one colony is eliminated, another could take its place. Keeping up with prevention methods helps stop new ants from moving in.
Keeping Ants Away for Good
Once the ants are gone, keeping them out requires ongoing effort. A few simple habits go a long way in making sure they don’t return.
Regular cleaning
Wiping down counters, sweeping floors, and taking out the trash keeps food sources away.
Sealing up entry points
Checking for new gaps or cracks prevents ants from finding new ways inside.
Using preventive baits
Even when ants aren’t visible, keeping bait stations in place can stop future infestations.
Ants are persistent, but they’re not impossible to beat. A little effort now can prevent a bigger problem later. The sooner they’re dealt with, the easier it is to keep them out for good.
