Why Ants are Attracted to Your Business

If you own a business, having a pest or rodent problem is likely one of the last things you want to deal with. While you may not have seen ants during the winter months, as the weather starts to get warmer, you are likely beginning to notice them more and more. This is common in both homes and businesses. As we said, when it comes to your business, you likely don’t want to invite any pests or rodents in, but this is especially true for ants, as if they are noticeable to you, they are to your employees and anyone who visits your business. We are going to review some of the reasons why ants are likely attracted to your business, and things you can do to try and prevent them and keep them away.

Why are Ants Considered Pests?

Like all pests, ants make for terrible visitors; they show up uninvited, get into everything, and are in no rush to leave. There are two types of ants that are most likely to be found in a home or business: carpenter ants and odorous house ants. The thing about ants is, once you have them, you likely have a lot of them, and they can be difficult to get rid of.

House ants are considered more of a nuisance pest than anything else. So while they may show up on your kitchen counters or around your business, they won’t transmit disease or cause any real damage to your home or business (Consumer Reports). Carpenter ants on the other hand can cause damage to your home or business. They feed on rotten or damp wood, which can damage windows, doors, or structural framing. Carpenter ants can be found anywhere in a home or business, so if you can keep ants out of your home or business, that is the best solution.

Why are Ants Attracted to Your Business?

Ants are attracted to your business for the same reason they are to your home, they have a sweet tooth and your business may have just what they are looking for. Have no fear, there are things you can do to keep ants uninterested in disturbing your business. We review some tips below:

  • Limit food sources and keep all spaces clean. Ants feed on sugar and foods, so wiping up spills, not having dirty dishes laying around, and keeping food in airtight containers can help to keep ants away. If you have a break room in your business, be sure it is wiped down on a regular basis. Try to limit people from snacking at their work spaces and keep all food and drinks in specific areas, to limit the places that may attract these critters. Make sure trash cans have lids that close tightly and are emptied frequently. Cleanliness is critical for the prevention and control of any pest.
  • Remove or eliminate any stagnant or standing water and any other damp areas. Ants need a water source to establish a colony. Ants may be attracted to your business, if it has a readily available water source. If you have leaking pipes anywhere in the building, water features, or other standing water (such as water glasses or half drank coffee mugs), this may attract ants. Check around your home or business for areas that may attract ants with damp spots or rotten wood. Look around showers, windows, basements, decks, under sinks, bathrooms, etc. for leaky areas.
  • Ensure all entry points are sealed tightly. If ants want to get inside, and you have a structure that will allow them to, they likely will. Ants are tiny creatures and can enter homes and buildings through minute cracks and crevices. To minimize this, seal around windows and doors and all cable, pipe, and wire entry points. Regularly inspect foundations for tiny cracks through which ants can gain entry into your business.
  • Eliminate easy entry points into your business by maintaining proper landscaping. If your business is surrounded by plants, bushes, or trees, then they may be giving ants easy access into the building. Branches or stems can serve as a bridge between outside and inside. If you do have a lot of foliage outside of your home or business, keep it pruned and tidy. You can also use the outside landscaping to your advantage. If ants are attracted to the outside of your home or business, they will be less likely to make their way inside. Ants feed on sweet substances, and aphids, little insects that live on plants, excrete a honeydew like substance on plants that ants are attracted to. By not spraying or killing off aphids outdoors, you give the ants something to feed off of without needing to come indoors.
  • Invest in a pest control program for prevention. The best solution for ant control is hiring a local ant pest control company to help you keep out and eliminate ants. If you have ever had an ant problem, you know that a small infestation can grow rather quickly, and when it comes to your business, no one wants that. Ants are attracted to your business for many reasons, and regular pest control can help to keep them away.

If you find yourself with an ant infestation, Delving Pest Control can help. At Delving Pest Control, in the last 25 years, we have seen almost everything imaginable in pest removal. One thing always seems consistent. Everyone gets pests at some point. Trust Delving Pest Control to eliminate your unwanted pests discreetly.  We offer one-time services or regular maintenance.

Call us today for a free estimate.