Ants Marching In: What to Do When Ants Emerge From Your Walls
Seeing ants crawling around your home is never pleasant, but finding them emerging from your walls can be downright alarming. It suggests a larger infestation, potentially behind the walls, that needs to be addressed.
This article will guide you through understanding why ants might be coming out of your walls and provide practical steps to effectively eliminate them. We’ll also explore some preventive measures to keep these unwelcome guests from returning.
Why are Ants Coming Out of My Walls?
The most common reason for ants appearing in your walls is the presence of a food source. Ants are attracted to crumbs, spills, and even decaying organic matter. They are also drawn to moisture, so leaks or condensation in your walls can create a perfect habitat.
Here's a breakdown of potential culprits:
- Food crumbs: Even small, seemingly insignificant crumbs left on counters or floors can be a feast for ants.
- Spills: A forgotten spill under the fridge or behind a cabinet can attract ants and their colony.
- Pet food: Leaving pet food bowls unattended or neglecting to clean up spilled food can become an ant magnet.
- Water leaks: Dampness from a leaky pipe or condensation can draw ants into your walls, making them more likely to emerge.
How to Get Rid of Ants Coming Out of Walls
Once you've identified the reason for the ants, you can start tackling the infestation. Here are some proven strategies from WikiHow:
-
Seal Entry Points: The first step is to prevent further ant entry. This means sealing up any cracks, gaps, or openings in your walls.
- Caulk: Apply caulk around windows, doors, and any other openings to seal cracks.
- Weather stripping: Use weather stripping to seal gaps around doors and windows.
- Repair damage: Fix any holes or damaged areas in your walls.
-
Remove Food Sources: The next step is to eliminate the ants' food source.
- Thorough cleaning: Deep clean your kitchen, especially behind appliances and under cabinets.
- Secure food storage: Store food in airtight containers to prevent ants from reaching them.
- Clean up spills immediately: Don’t allow spills to sit for long, as they can attract ants.
-
Target Ant Trails: Once you've addressed entry points and food sources, you can start focusing on the ants themselves.
- Ant baits: Place ant baits near where you see ants coming out of the walls. Ants will carry the poison back to their colony, eliminating the whole nest.
- Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder dehydrates ants and can be sprinkled along ant trails.
Preventing Future Infestations
Here are some preventative measures to keep ants from returning:
- Regular cleaning: Maintaining a clean kitchen and home reduces the chances of attracting ants.
- Moisture control: Fix any leaks and ensure proper ventilation to prevent dampness and condensation.
- Outdoor prevention: Eliminate food sources and moisture around your house by keeping garbage bins clean and sealed.
- Professional help: If the infestation is severe or you have difficulty controlling it yourself, it's best to contact a professional pest control company.
Additional Tips
- DIY Ant Traps: You can create your own simple ant traps by using a shallow dish filled with water and a drop of dish soap. The soap will break the surface tension of the water, making it impossible for ants to escape.
- Natural Ant Repellents: Some natural substances like peppermint oil, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper can deter ants. You can create your own natural ant repellent by mixing one of these substances with water and spraying it around areas where ants are seen.
Remember, patience and persistence are key to getting rid of ants effectively. By following these steps, you can regain control of your home and prevent future ant invasions.