8 Expert Tips to Stay Ant-Free This Summer

June 29, 2025 | Posted In: Ants

Summer brings longer days, sunny skies, and outdoor fun, but it also welcomes an uninvited guest into your home – ants. These tiny invaders can disrupt the comfort of your space, whether they’re after crumbs in your kitchen or moisture in your bathroom. If you’re already dreading the line of ants marching across your countertop, don’t worry! This blog shares practical, effective tips to keep your home ant-free all summer long.

Why Are Ants Drawn to Your Home?

Understanding why ants invade is key to keeping them out. Ants are natural foragers and will seek food, water, and shelter wherever they can find it. Warm weather encourages them to explore more actively, especially if they’ve established a colony nearby. Common attractants include:

  • Food crumbs and spilled drinks: Even the smallest morsels can invite ants.
  • Moisture: Kitchens, bathrooms, and any areas with leaks can become major draws.
  • Accessible entry points: Cracks, gaps in windows, and doors make it easy for ants to enter.

Knowing these triggers helps you counteract their attraction and prevent infestations.

8 Tips to Keep Ants Out of Your Home

1. Keep Your Home Spotlessly Clean

Ants are opportunistic feeders and can detect even the tiniest crumbs. Make it a habit to:

  • Sweep and vacuum regularly, especially in the kitchen and dining areas.
  • Wipe countertops with a vinegar and water solution to deter ants naturally.
  • Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving fruit or leftovers exposed.

By removing their food source, you’ll make your home far less inviting.

2. Seal Entry Points

Ants can sneak into your home through the smallest cracks and crevices. Inspect windows, doors, and your home’s foundation to identify points of entry.

  • Use caulk to seal gaps and cracks.
  • Install weather stripping around doors and windows.
  • Close vents or install mesh screens to block ants while maintaining airflow.

This physical barrier is one of the most effective defenses against infestations.

3. Take Out the Trash Regularly

Trash bins, particularly those containing food waste, are major ant magnets. To ensure your garbage doesn’t become an ant buffet:

  • Empty trash bins frequently, especially during the summer.
  • Wash out bins to eliminate sticky residue that may attract ants.
  • Use lids on all trash cans to reduce accessibility.

Preventing a buildup of tempting scents is crucial to avoiding ant problems.

4. Clear the Exterior Perimeter

Outdoor areas around your home can host ant colonies that eventually migrate indoors. Minimize their chances by:

  • Trimming bushes, trees, and plants that touch your house, as ants use them as “bridges.”
  • Clearing fallen leaves, mulch, or woodpiles that might house ants near your foundation.
  • Keeping pet food or other edible items outside to a minimum.

By reducing “highways” and potential nesting spots, you’ll make it harder for ants to encroach.

5. Eliminate Moisture Sources

Water is as appealing as food to ants, so addressing humidity and leaks is essential:

  • Repair leaky faucets, pipes, or appliances promptly.
  • Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements.
  • Avoid letting standing water collect in sinks or on countertops.

Keeping your home dry removes one of the key factors ants are searching for.

6. Use Ant Deterrents

A range of natural and store-bought ant deterrents can help keep these pests away.

Natural Remedies:

  • Cinnamon or peppermint oil sprinkled around entry points repel ants thanks to their strong scents.
  • Mix lemon juice and water to clean surfaces and disrupt ant trails.

Chemical Deterrents:

  • Use ant baits and traps in high-traffic areas (but keep them out of reach of kids and pets!).
  • Spray insecticides around outdoor entry points as a precaution.

Testing multiple types of deterrents helps you find the best solution for your home.

7. Tackle Ants Quickly

Spotting ants early can prevent a full-blown infestation. If you notice a few ants, take action immediately:

  • Track their trail to locate the entry point or possible nest.
  • Clean the area and use deterrents like vinegar to disrupt their trail.
  • Consider using bait systems to eliminate the colony if necessary.

The faster you act, the easier it is to get the situation under control.

8. Call Professional Pest Control When Needed

If an infestation feels overwhelming or persists despite your best efforts, rely on the professionals. Pest control experts can:

  • Identify specific ant species to implement targeted management strategies.
  • Safely eliminate colonies near your home perimeter.
  • Offer long-term prevention techniques tailored to your environment.

Professionals are especially critical if you’re dealing with destructive ants like carpenter ants, which can harm your property.

A Pest-Free Summer Starts With Proactive Prevention

Ant infestations may be common in summer, but they’re not inevitable. Simple habits like keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, and addressing moisture can make a huge difference. Remember, early detection and prompt action are vital to keeping these tiny invaders away.

For even tougher infestations, don’t hesitate to consult experts who can offer targeted solutions. A little effort now means you can enjoy a pest-free, relaxing summer home.