Ants are social insects that live in large colonies made up of different castes of ants. The queen ant is the head of the colony and she remains inside to lay eggs. The other ant castes forage for food outside and bring it back to the nest to feed their fellow ants. Ants are particularly drawn to sugary foods, which they can smell from afar.
In spring and summer, the queen ant lays eggs prolifically, resulting in a population explosion within the nest that causes some ants to leave their home and forage for food outside. This is why you see more ants in your house during these seasons.
Ants are normally not harmful but they can contaminate food with their feces as they walk on it looking for crumbs or morsels to feed on. They also secrete a pheromone trail when they move around that can cause other ants to follow them, resulting in an invasion of your house.
Why ants invade your home in summer
Most people don’t like ants in their homes. Ants are scavengers and will eat almost anything, including other insects! Ants can get into your home through the most minuscule cracks. Once they find food, they will leave a trail for the rest of their colony to follow. This can make it difficult to get rid of ants. The experts explain some of the reasons ants come into your home during the summer. Here are five reasons why ants invade homes in the summer:
- The weather is warmer. Ants thrive in hot weather and reproduce faster in warm temperatures. Ants like sweet foods such as fruit, jelly or syrup and also feed on proteins such as meats and fish. They will scavenge for any crumbs or food residue left behind.
- Ant nests have become overcrowded outside. Ant colonies swell during the summer months when queens produce eggs at a rapid rate. Most ant species don’t survive winter so ants that do are looking for a place to survive until spring arrives again.
- Food sources. Ants may also be attracted to food sources inside your home, especially sweet or sticky foods like honey or syrup, or even dog food or pet hair on the floor. Once they’ve discovered a food source, ants will return to it over and over again, bringing more of their colony with them each time.
- Cracks in the foundation and siding of your home. If there are any cracks or crevices around your home’s foundation, siding, windows or doors, then ants may be able to find their way inside through these cracks and gaps. They can also get into electrical outlets through loose-fitting faceplates and cause damage to wires and other equipment behind your walls.
- They’re looking for water. If you have any leaking pipes or faucets, they may attract ants looking for water this summer. If you notice any leaks in your plumbing, be sure to fix them as soon as possible to avoid an ant infestation during summer.
How to get rid of ants
Ants come into your home for food and water. They will travel anywhere from 10m-30m from their nest on the search for food. If they find a food source, they will leave behind a chemical trail for other ants to follow. This is why if you see one ant, you can guarantee there are many more hidden from view.
The best way to get rid of ants in your home is by removing any access to their food supply. Make sure that all food items are stored away in airtight containers and wipe down kitchen worktops and floors regularly. You should also try to locate where they may be coming in from outside and block up any gaps or holes with silicone sealant or caulk.
