Ants in the House: Busted Myths and Surprising Truths

Let’s be real — no one likes spotting a trail of ants in their kitchen or bathroom. Whether it’s a single ant or a full-blown invasion, ants can feel like an unwelcome mystery. If you’ve ever wondered “Is my house dirty?” or “Why are ants showing up now?” you’re not alone.

The truth is, ants are America’s number one nuisance pest, according to the National Pest Management Association. In fact, that same report stated 80% of single-family homes from Maine to California reported ant infestations, and over half of pest professionals claim the problem is only getting worse. Let’s explore some of the most common ant myths we hear from homeowners and uncover the truth that can help you protect your home and family.

Common Myths About Ants (And the Truths You Should Know)

Myth 1: Ants only invade dirty homes.

Truth: Ants aren’t judging your housekeeping! They’re just after food. Even the cleanest homes can attract ants if there's an accessible snack, like pet food, crumbs, or a sticky spill under the toaster. While cleanliness can help reduce your chances of an ant visit, it’s not the whole story.

Pro-tip: Wipe down counters regularly, seal snacks in airtight containers, and don’t forget to clean under appliances and behind trash cans.

Myth 2: Ants can’t be active in the spring.

Truth: Spring is one of the busiest times for ants. As the weather warms up, ants emerge from their winter hiding spots and begin foraging. Which often leads them into your home.

If you’ve seen ants popping up around window sills, baseboards, or near water sources (like sinks), spring could be the reason.

Pro-tip: Spring is a great time for seasonal preventative pest control for many pests, including ants.

Myth 3: Ants are harmless and don’t cause any damage.

Truth: Some ants might seem like a minor nuisance, but others can cause real problems. Carpenter ants chew through wood and can weaken your home’s structure. Fire ants can bite or sting, posing a risk to kids, pets, and anyone with allergies. So while not all ants are dangerous, assuming they’re harmless could lead to costly surprises.

Pro-tip: If you hear faint rustling sounds in walls or see sawdust-like shavings near baseboards, you might be dealing with carpenter ants. Don’t wait to investigate

Myth 4: Spraying visible ants is enough to get rid of them.

Truth: Spot-treating visible ants might give you a temporary fix, but it won’t touch the colony hiding behind your walls or under your home. Professional ant control uses a combination of invisible exterior treatments and baiting systems that ants carry back to their nests, wiping out the colony at its source.

Pro-tip: The materials professionals like Ford’s Hometown Services use can only be purchased and applied by licensed technicians. They are unlike common repellents you can buy at the store.

Myth 5: Ants only come inside when it’s cold.

Truth: Ants aren’t just fall or winter visitors. Many species, including pavement ants and carpenter ants, are active from early spring through late fall. Seasonal changes, moisture, and food availability all influence when and why ants show up.

Pro-tip: Trim shrubs and tree branches away from your home’s exterior to help eliminate ant highways. Even tiny gaps around windows or doors can become entry points.

Myth 6: It’s just one ant, it’s no big deal.

Truth: That “one” ant is probably a scout, and it just left a chemical trail for its friends to follow. If it finds food, you could be dealing with a full-on invasion within hours. If you notice a few ants wandering aimlessly, don’t ignore them. It could be the start of something bigger.

Pro-tip: Monitor closely when you see signs of ant activity and call in a professional if it continues.

Ant Prevention Checklist for Spring

Here are some quick tips for keeping your home ant-free this spring:

✔ Reduce moisture and standing water around your home.
✔ Repair leaky pipes.
✔ Use a dehumidifier in damp basements.
✔ Clean your gutters regularly.
✔ Wipe down counters and sweep floors regularly.
✔ Store food in sealed containers.
✔ Use a lid on trash cans.
✔ Seal cracks and crevices with caulk.