Ants are among the most stubborn pests homeowners face. Just when you think you’ve finally gotten rid of them, they show up again—sometimes in even greater numbers. Knowing how to eliminate ants and, more importantly, how to prevent them from returning can save you time, money, and frustration.

Why Do Ants Keep Coming Back?

Ants are highly organized and persistent by nature. When you see a single ant inside, it’s likely a scout searching for food. Once it locates a food source, it leaves a pheromone trail to guide the rest of the colony straight to it. This is why no matter how many you clean up, more ants seem to reappear.

Below are 8 proven strategies to keep ants away and protect your home from repeat infestations.

1. Eliminate Food Sources

Food is the primary reason ants enter your home. To reduce the risk of an infestation. Wipe down counters, tables, and shelves to remove crumbs and spills. store pantry items in airtight containers. Keep pet food sealed and avoid leaving it out overnight. Empty garbage cans frequently and use bins with tight-fitting lids. By removing food temptations, you’ll make your home much less appealing to ants.

2. Seal Entry Points

Ants can squeeze through even the tiniest cracks. Inspect your home carefully and seal potential entryways. Use caulk to fill gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. Apply weather stripping to doors and windows that don’t close tightly. Seal openings around pipes, wires, and cables entering your home. Blocking these entry points makes it much harder for ants to get inside.

3. Reduce Moisture

Ants are drawn to moisture as well as food. Keeping your home dry can help deter them. Repair leaky pipes and dripping faucets. Use dehumidifiers in damp spaces like basements and laundry rooms. Make sure bathrooms and kitchens are well-ventilated to prevent humidity buildup.

4. Use Natural Repellents

Certain natural substances repel ants effectively without harsh chemicals:

Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then wipe down surfaces where ants are active.

Essential Oils: Peppermint, lemon, and tea tree oils work well. Add a few drops to water and spray along ant trails and entry points.

Citrus Peels: Place fresh citrus peels in corners and near windowsills.

Repellent Plants: Grow mint, lavender, or eucalyptus near entryways or keep potted plants indoors.

5. Create Ant Barriers

Setting up barriers can prevent ants from crossing into your home:

Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle a thin layer along the foundation and around doorways. This natural powder dehydrates ants on contact.

Cinnamon & Cloves: Place ground cinnamon or whole cloves where ants are entering.

Chalk Lines: Draw lines with chalk around windows and doors—ants avoid crossing them.

6. Use Ant Baits

Ant baits are an effective way to target entire colonies. Worker ants collect the bait and carry it back to the nest, where it spreads to other ants, including the queen.

To use baits effectively:

Place them near ant trails and suspected entry points.  Avoid spraying insecticide nearby—doing so can deter ants from taking the bait. Be patient. It may take several days for the bait to eliminate the colony.

7. Inspect Regularly

Frequent inspections help you detect ant problems early before they escalate. Check kitchens and pantries for signs of ant activity. Look for moisture and entry points in bathrooms. Inspect basements and crawl spaces for dampness and cracks. Re-seal gaps or cracks as needed.

8. Maintain Your Yard

Most ants build their nests outdoors before making their way inside. Keeping your yard tidy reduces their chances of finding a pathway in .Trim back bushes, shrubs, and tree branches that touch your house .Remove leaf piles, wood stacks, and other debris near the foundation. Keep mulch away from exterior walls, as it provides the perfect habitat for ants.

Professional Ant Control Solutions

Ants are a common nuisance, but with the right steps, you can protect your home and prevent them from coming back. By combining these eight methods—sealing entry points, eliminating food sources, reducing moisture, using natural deterrents, and keeping your yard clean—you’ll have a solid defense against recurring infestations.

However, sometimes even the most thorough prevention efforts aren’t enough. That’s when professional help can make the difference.

At PEST ERASER our experienced team begins with a detailed inspection to pinpoint the source of the problem. We create customized treatment plans designed for your specific situation and provide ongoing maintenance to keep ants out long-term.

If you’re tired of ants returning again and again, reach out to our ant exterminators today for a free consultation and quote.

Preventing ants is an ongoing process, but with the right approach and professional support, you can finally enjoy a clean, ant-free home.

Curious about whether spraying for ants is an effective solution? Check out our detailed guide to learn when and how spraying might work best for your situation.