August 1, 2025  |  Ant Control

6 Ways to Prevent Ant Infestations in Your Home

Ants might be tiny, but when they invade your home, they can become a massive nuisance. Whether it’s a trail marching across your kitchen counter or a surprise appearance in the pantry, ant infestations are both annoying and unhygienic. Fortunately, preventing these persistent pests from entering your home is easier than you might think. By following a few proactive steps, you can keep ants out and enjoy a pest-free environment. Here are six effective ways to prevent ant infestations in your home.

Table of Contents

  •  Eliminate Food Sources
  •  Eliminate Water Sources
  •  Keep Your House Clean
  •  Keep Your Yard Clean
  •  Seal Entry Points
  •  Use Natural Deterrents

Enjoy a Pest-FREE Home Today!

Get rid of nuisance pests and critters with our professional pest control in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Schedule Now!

1.) Eliminate Food Sources

Ants are always on the hunt for food, particularly sugary and greasy items. Your kitchen is their top target, and even the smallest crumbs left behind can attract an entire colony. Foraging ants scout for new food sources and leave a scent trail that guides other ants directly to the food. As a result, a few forging ants can quickly turn into hundreds of ants.

  • Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
  • Store food in airtight containers.
  • Store fruits and vegetables in the fridge.
  • Wipe down countertops, stovetops, and tables regularly.
  • Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
  • Wash dirty dishes and put them away right away.

2.) Eliminate Water Sources

Ants, like most living organisms, need water to survive. Damp areas such as bathrooms, underneath sinks, and basements create ideal environments for ants to thrive. By eliminating excess moisture in your home, you remove a critical resource for their survival, making your home less appealing to ants.

  • Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and appliances.
  • Use a dehumidifier in basements or other damp spaces.
  • Empty pet water bowls at night.

3.) Keep Your House Clean

Keeping your home clean can discourage ants from making it their home. Daily and weekly cleaning routines can go a long way in making your space less inviting to pests. By regularly cleaning areas where food is consumed or stored, particularly kitchens and living rooms, you can eliminate crumbs and moisture that ants thrive on, as well as remove potential hiding spots for their nests.

  • Take out the trash regularly.
  • Vacuum floors and rugs frequently.
  • Clean under appliances and furniture.
  • Wash dishes promptly after meals.

4.) Keep Your Yard Clean

Ants often nest outdoors and only enter your home in search of food or water. A cluttered, unmaintained yard can harbor nests near your foundation, increasing the chance of them getting inside. By taking care of your yard and maintaining the perimeter of your home, you create a stronger line of defense against wandering ants.

  • Regularly mow the grass.
  • Trim bushes and tree branches away from the house.
  • Store firewood at least 10-15 feet from your house.
  • Clear away leaf litter and debris.

5.) Block Off Access Points

Ants are extremely small and can easily slip through cracks, crevices, and holes that you might not even notice. If you find ants indoors, it means they have already found a way inside. Inspect your home thoroughly for potential entry points and seal them up to block their access. This not only helps with ants, but also with other pests.

  • Use caulk to seal cracks around windows and doors.
  • Install weatherstripping around doors and windows.
  • Check for gaps around utility lines, pipes, and vents.
  • Repair torn screens and door sweeps.

6.) Natural Ant Deterrents

There are several natural substances that can disrupt the scent trails of ants and repel them from entering your home. Consider placing these substances near potential entry points or along known ant trails. While they may not completely eliminate a large infestation, they can help tentatively deter ants from coming inside.

  • Apply peppermint oil or vinegar around windowsills and doorways.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or coffee grounds near ant trails.

Professional Ant Control in Milwaukee, WI

Preventing ants from entering your home starts with a few simple habits – keeping things clean, sealing up entry points, and cutting off access to food and water. By following these six steps, you can make your home far less inviting to ants and stop infestations before they begin. However, if ants continue to be a problem or you’re dealing with a persistent infestation, it may be time to bring in the experts.

At Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control, our team has the tools and expertise to eliminate ants at the source and prevent them from coming back. Over-the-counter pesticides only eliminate a few foraging ants, but our ant bait gel treatments penetrate the nest and target the entire colony. We also treat both the exterior foundation and interior spaces to further protect your home and family from these pests.

Don’t let ants take over! Contact us today at (262) 242-4390 for reliable, professional ant control in Milwaukee, WI.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post comment