Letitia Smith
When you have an ant infestation in your home, the results can range from mild annoyance to actual danger, depending on what type of ant you have. Even with the less dangerous types, you might find some hygiene issues and you certainly don't want ants hanging around your kitchen.
In most cases, ants are after food, and they're particularly attracted to anything sweet. But when you're certain you've eliminated anything they might like the smell of and they're still around, what do you do? Before you give up all hope of ending your ant problem once and for all, here are some other, lesser known things that can attract ants.
Pet food
If you have pets, this should be the first thing you check. Often, people make sure their kitchens are kept clean, with food sealed away safely, but they forget about their pets' leftover.
Although it's mostly sweet things that are associated with ants, they'll eat anything if they get the chance. Make sure you're only feeding your pet as much as they'll eat in one go, and clear away any leftovers quickly. Wash dishes regularly so there aren't crumbs and scraps left on them.
Remember, ants can be harmful to pets as well as being a nuisance, so you should take particular care if this is the cause of your infestation.
Aphids
When aphids munch at plants, they secrete a sweet substance called honeydew. Ants love to eat this, so much so that they have a relationship with them that many compare to human farming practices.
If you have houseplants and an ant problem, check for aphids. You should be able to see them easily enough, and they'll either be black or green. They breed quickly, so they're sure to be in large numbers, with ants hanging around them.
Urine
This is a truly strange one. Ants really like urine — but not just any urine, for the most part. They're so good at detecting sugar that they can sniff it out even after it's passed through the human body.
Often, they're especially keen on the urine of people with diabetes, so if there are ants hanging around your bathroom and you've not been diagnosed with it, it might be worth having a test.
In the meantime, keep your bathroom spotlessly clean and flush after each use of the toilet.
Moisture
It's not just food that ants need — they have to drink, too. Sometimes excess moisture can be enough to attract them into your home, especially if it's dry outside. Moisture can also cause mould, which is a tasty snack to ants.
Keep your home dry, deal with any leaks and buy a dehumidifier if you're struggling to dry out certain rooms. If needed call an ant control professional.
Hello, my name is Frieda, and I have a small phobia of bugs and mice. As a result, I have learned everything possible about keeping these critters out of my home. As I have had all of my old pets artfully positioned by taxidermists, I have also learned niche skills such as keeping pests out of the fur of taxidermy animals. In this blog, I am going to put together the best of everything I know along with some tips from the pros. I hope you find the info you need to live a happy, healthy life in a bug and pest-free home. --Frieda