It can take a lot of effort to keep our homes pest free. Among the most common pest found in the home are ants, as they are attracted to anywhere with food and water. Although ants don’t generally cause harm to humans, they can damage the home, especially if they are carpenter ants. So, if you find ants in your home, how can you tell where they are coming from?
As you are probably aware, ants form trails to go from one place to another, and they often use structural elements like wires and pipes, or along baseboards. If you want to find the ant’s entry point, simply follow the trail and see where it goes.
Another place ants like to nest is in damp wood, especially if they are carpenter ants. Are there any areas in your home that have been damaged by a water leak? Poorly sealed window frames, roofs, bathtubs, and sink surrounds are just some places you could encounter ant nests.
When ants hollow out wood, they produce galleries. While you may not see any damage at first, look out for the fine sawdust they generate when the galleries are formed. You may even want to tap on some of the woodwork with a screwdriver and see if the sawdust falls.
Ants can enter the home in all kinds of ways. They will use cracks in the walls and foundations as well as areas around pipework. Other insects also use these entry points. So, it is a good idea to check these areas so you can limit the ant’s ability to enter your home.