Why they come inside
- Food residue on counters, floors and in pet bowls
- Moisture around sinks, dishwashers and leaking fixtures
- Landscaping, mulch or firewood stacked against the foundation
- Branches touching the roof or siding
What the species suggests
Small ants trailing to a food source often nest outdoors. Carpenter ants are larger and are associated with damp or damaged wood, which is why their presence sometimes prompts a closer look at moisture conditions.
Practical steps
- Clean up trails so other ants do not follow the same path
- Store food in sealed containers and keep pet food off the floor overnight
- Fix leaks and improve ventilation in damp areas
- Pull mulch back from the foundation and trim vegetation off the structure
A note on safety
Always follow the label directions on any pest-control product you use yourself. Never mix pesticide products, and keep products away from children, pets and food-preparation areas. If you have a health question, contact a healthcare provider or poison control rather than a pest-control company.