From Picnic Pests to Home Invaders: The Secret Life of Ants

Ants might be tiny, but don’t let their size fool you—they can turn into a big problem fast. Whether you spot a few marching across your patio or a whole trail making its way along your kitchen counter, these little invaders are more than just a nuisance. With a highly organized society and an incredible knack for finding entry points, ants can quickly establish a colony right inside your home. And once they do, getting rid of them isn't easy. If you're not proactive, that small line of ants could become a full-blown infestation in no time.

Noticed ¼ of an inch or larger ants in the mix? You might be dealing with carpenter ants, a species known to damage wood. And that could be trouble for your home. Learn more about common ant species in New England.

Ant Colonies: Fascinating Facts

Ants aren’t just marching blindly. They work with purpose. Here are a few cool facts to help you understand just how advanced these pests really are:

• A single ant colony can have thousands (even millions) of members
• Ants communicate through chemical scent trails, which is why they seem to follow each other in a line
• They solve problems as a group, even building bridges with their bodies
• Colonies can live for decades in the right conditions

Why Ants Invade Your Home

While most ants prefer to live outside, some temptations make your home inviting, especially during the summer. Here’s what causes them to march inside:

• Food sources: Ants have a powerful sense of smell, and crumbs, pet food, grease, sticky spills, and ripe fruit can all lead them inside.
• Water and moisture: Like other pests, leaky pipes, damp basements, and even your recently watered flower bed can attract them.
• Easy access points: Ants are resourceful and can find small cracks in foundations, gaps under doors, and torn screens to gain access.
• Weather changes: If it gets too hot or rains too much, ants can look for shelter.

How to Keep Ants Out This Summer

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about ants, like they only invade dirty homes. The truth is, they’re just looking for food, water, and shelter. And that means even the cleanest kitchen can become a target. Luckily, there are some simple habits that can make a big difference:

• Wipe down counters and sweep floors regularly
• Store food in airtight containers (including dog food!)
• Seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows
• Repair window and door screens
• Empty trash cans often and use tight-fitting lids

What about DIY sprays and traps?

Too often, DIY tactics fall short of addressing the real problem. You might take out some soldiers or workers, while there are still thousands hiding in your walls or yard. Calling in a professional ant control company like Ford’s Hometown Services is your best bet to identify the right target and get access to safe, EPA-approved ant control that stops ants at the source.