Four Reasons You Have an Ant Problem Despite Cleaning Your Home

Why Can’t You Get Rid Of Ants In Your House ?

If ants keep invading your home even after you’ve cleaned every corner, it’s time to dig deeper into why they’re sticking around. You may have removed every food crumb from your kitchen and bedrooms, but ants are clever—they’re often drawn to more than just food.

These pests also seek out wood, paper, and moisture, making them persistent household invaders.

For lasting relief, call (602) 833-0819 or fill out our online form to schedule service with Varsity Termite and Pest Control. Our experts can eliminate the colony and protect your home from future infestations.

Keep reading to discover the real reasons ants won’t go away even after cleaning—and what you can do about it.

1 - Decaying Wood

Most houses have some timber construction surrounding them, so if you live in a wooden building, you may have wood carpentry nearby. That can attract ants easily.

Carpenter ants are a good example. They acquire their name because they scrape wood to build their nests. Carpenter ants feed on decaying wood, so you should identify these ants on time to avoid further issues. Carpenter ants cause degradation in any construction, leading to serious property damage to your house.

2 - Kitchen Pantries

Ants require a food supply. Many ant species in Arizona are drawn to sugary and starchy food that you probably have in kitchen pantries. These foods don’t have to be left around with crumbs, sometimes having them in containers that aren’t entirely sealed can be enough.

Paper sacks of sugar or plastic cereal bags attract ants easily because they do not seal the same way as glass or plastic vases. As you can guess, you may want to leave your food in better containers from now on.

If you think that’s not the reason, contact a pest control technician for more help.

3 - Protection from Extreme Weather

Another reason why your house may have many ants is that it offers them protection from extreme cold or hot weather. If your ant infestation started overnight, think about the recent weather events and the infestation. Did the summer begin recently? Were there recent floods or heatwaves? Are there any frosts right now? These questions can help you link the ant infestation and the weather conditions.

4 - Water Sources

Ants, just like other living things, are thirsty creatures, so they are constantly looking for available water sources. If any standing water source is in or near your house, it may attract ants, making it easier for them to remain there. Ants need moisture to survive, so do not think they avoid water just because they are small and they can be drawn in a small bucket. If water is not available in their colonies, they will look for other locations where they may find new supplies. Ants will be drawn to high humidity levels in your house, even if you have no food nearby, so consider that.

Are Ants Dangerous?

Ants are a nuisance for sure, and you should always contact a pest control technician if you have an infestation at home. However, they are not necessarily dangerous if you have a few ones in the house.

Certain types of ants, especially in Arizona, can cause real problems if you ignore them. These types of ants contaminate your food with bacteria, damage integral structures in your house for nesting, and can cause a painful sting. Some of these dangerous species are carpenter ants and fire ants.

Are DIY Repellants Effective?

If your ant problem isn’t a big one yet, you can try some DIY methods before calling the pest control expert. Cleaning with vinegar and essential oils like tea tree and lemon can repel them.

You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper around cracks to discourage them from entering your home. Coffee grounds and orange peels are other methods that can work as ant repellents, but as with anything, the results depend on the type of ants you have at home.

When Should I Contact A Phoenix Pest Control Company?

If you don’t see any results with DIY methods, it’s time to call the professionals at Varsity Termite & Pest Control. You may see a temporary improvement with DIY solutions, but they are not the best to eliminate the colony of ants.

With Varsity Termite & Pest Control, you can get peace of mind because we will get rid of the colony thanks to our modern and efficient techniques. We offer a unique service and high-quality solutions to exterminate ants, termites, spiders, and other pests.