What’s Making Your Home Irresistible to Ants?

Ants are like those uninvited guests who show up to every backyard BBQ and sneak into your kitchen faster than you can say “poutine.” Especially during the Canadian summer, these tiny critters multiply faster than you can swat, building nests almost overnight. But did you know ants have a list of their favourite hangout spots — and some of them might be right under your nose?

If ants decide your property is prime real estate, they’ll move in like it’s the hottest club in Toronto or Vancouver. Here’s a quick look at the top reasons ants might be throwing a house party in your home — and how you can shut it down before it gets out of control.

Water, Water Everywhere
Ants are like us—they need water to survive and aren’t shy about hunting down a reliable source. Whether it’s dripping taps, damp bathroom tiles, or a leaky pipe, ants will find it and mark the trail for their friends to follow. Bathrooms and kitchens are basically the ant version of a five-star resort because of all the moisture. Keep these areas dry and tidy — wipe away excess water and fix leaks — and your home won’t be as appealing.

Food: The Ant Magnet
Just like you can’t resist a good Nanaimo bar or butter tart, ants are all about proteins, fats, and carbs. Sugar is their kryptonite—those “sugar ants” you might hear about are basically sugar addicts who’ll nest near anything sweet, like wood or plants close to your home. Leaving food out, open packages, or messy countertops is basically an open invitation to ants. Clean up spills right away, use vinegar or soap to wipe away those sneaky food smells, and stash snacks in sealed containers. Oh, and don’t forget the garbage — ants love to dumpster dive, so take out the trash regularly to keep them guessing.

A Cozy Cranny is All They Need
Ants don’t need much space to sneak inside — a tiny crack or gap in your walls or windows is enough for them to crash your home. If you find ants indoors, chances are there’s a welcome mat of holes and gaps. Seal them up tight! Patch cracks, repair any rotted window frames (especially important during our wet Canadian winters), and caulk around doors. This won’t make your house completely ant-proof, but it’ll definitely make it harder for them to set up camp.

Plants: Not Food, But a VIP Invitation
Most ants aren’t munching on your plants, but they sure do love the neighbourhood. Houseplants and flower pots offer moisture and attract other tiny insects, which in turn draw in ants curious about the buffet. So if your green friends are attracting some unwanted visitors, it might be time to check the soil and surrounding area for signs of ant activity.

Across Canada—from the coasts of British Columbia to the shores of Nova Scotia—ants can be a real headache. They form colonies, cause structural damage, and contaminate food supplies. These little guys might be small, but they’re mighty when it comes to causing trouble.

If you think ants have set up camp in your home, don’t wait for an ant invasion. Reach out to the experts at Bada Pest Control, and let them locate the nest and send those ants packing for good.