Why Ants are Invading your Home
The Scout Ant: The First to Discover Food
Ants are highly resourceful and curious creatures, and they’re constantly foraging for food. If you’ve suddenly noticed a swarm of ants inside your home, a scout ant likely found something appealing—whether it’s food or moisture—and left behind a pheromone trail to signal the colony. Scout ants can travel quite a distance, especially species like carpenter ants, which can forage up to a few hundred yards away from their nest!
The Role of Pheromone Trails
Once a scout ant finds food, it marks the path back to the colony with pheromones. This helps other ants follow the scent and join the feast. That’s why, after you see one ant, it’s common to find an overwhelming number the next day. These ants are not just after food; they’re also searching for moisture, which might explain why you see them around sinks, showers, or dishwashers.
The Right Time to Be Active
Although ants are active throughout the day, they tend to be especially busy during the evening and early morning hours. If you find ants in your home at night, it’s likely because they are at their peak foraging time.
If you’re noticing multiple ants or trails, it’s important to be aware of the signs of ant infestation. Early detection can help prevent a minor issue from becoming a major problem.
How to Get Rid of an Ant Infestation
Once you understand why ants are suddenly invading your home, the next step is figuring out how to get rid of an ant infestation. That means doing more than simply swatting visible workers — you must eliminate entry points, remove attractants, and treat the colony itself.
Begin by sealing cracks around your foundation, keeping food stored in sealed containers, wiping up crumbs and spills, and reducing moisture. Then apply a targeted ant-bait or professional treatment to reach the source. For full guidance specific to your home, our team at Aspen Pest Service can inspect, identify the species, and help you implement a lasting solution.
If, despite your best efforts, ants keep appearing, it helps to understand how exterminators tackle ant problems by tracing nests, deploying custom bait systems, and sealing hidden entry routes that often go unnoticed.
Sugar Ant Description
Size
The sugar ant is very small—measuring about 2.4-3.3mm long. They are typically about as small as a pencil eraser. Although they are small, they quickly become noticeable as they swarm around food or stream through your home in a line.
Color
Sugar ants are typically black in color.
Smell
This might sound strange, but when crushed, sugar ants release an unpleasant, coconut-smelling odor. Sugar ants have a gland that releases this smell and it’s why they are called the odorous house ant.
