What Foods Are Ants Attracted To?

If you’ve ever experienced an ant infestation, then you know what a nuisance they can be. Ants come in for different reasons, but it is usually to seek food, water, or shelter. Ants infest your home in order to meet their own hierarchy of needs. First, ants seek water to stay hydrated; they are especially attracted to any standing or stagnant water. You are likely to find ants marching in or around your kitchen sink. Be sure to drain any dishwater or bathwater, and never leave a beverage sitting out on the counter.

Next, ants seek out food in and around your home. The number one food that attracts ants is sugar. Unfortunately, sugar is found in most foods and beverages. They love to feast on drinks that contain high fructose corn syrup and other sweet-smelling foods. Food crumbs and spills are especially productive for the ants’ well-being. In fact, ants prefer any food with an overly pungent odor. Many ants seek out oil and grease, as well as other dead insects and organic matter, such as tree branches and leaves.

On the other hand, carpenter ants seek to eat wood inside your home. Carpenter ants are large, black ants about one-quarter of an inch to one inch in size. They prefer dead or decaying wood, but will feast on any available wood nearby. If you see an infestation of carpenter ants, it is best to contact your local home pest control company immediately, as this species can cause structural damage to your home.

Ants are also attracted to cracks and other little openings in and around your home as they seek out shelter. Typically, ants enter at the base of your home through small holes. Be sure to clear any extra building materials from your home, and store firewood far away from your house. Both firewood and building materials will attract ants, as well as other insects, into your home. The pile of firewood is great, but your house makes an even better habitat for ants; thus, they’ll move quickly from the firewood into your home if they are in close proximity of one another. Additionally, ants can easily climb the exterior walls of your home and enter at any opening.

If ants or other pests have made an unwanted appearance around your home or business, call Cantu Pest & Termite at (972) 562-9999 and schedule an appointment today with one of our friendly, experienced ant removal experts