Ants are one of the most common pests that enter homes in Burbank and throughout Greater Los Angeles. While a single ant may not seem like a problem, their presence can quickly grow into a larger issue if colonies find easy entry points. Understanding where ants enter and how to reduce attractants can help keep your home more comfortable and less prone to infestations.
If ants have already made their way inside, don't wait for the problem to grow. For swift and effective ant control, contact Zenith Environmental Pest today by filling out our online contact form or calling us at (818) 334-6845.
Where Are Ants Getting Inside Your Home?
Ants are small, but they’re incredibly determined. They don't need a wide-open door to get in; a tiny crack or a gap the width of a credit card is more than enough. Understanding where they’re likely to enter is the first step in stopping them. Think about all the places where your home's exterior meets the ground or has any kind of opening.
One of the most common spots is the foundation. Small cracks in the concrete or brick can be an open invitation. Similarly, the gaps around window and door frames, especially where the wood or vinyl has started to age and warp, are prime entry points.
Even the tiniest holes where utility lines—like those for your cable or air conditioning—enter the house can be a superhighway for ants. Ants are also attracted to moisture, so any leaky pipes or areas with standing water around the foundation can draw them in and encourage them to explore.
Sealing Up Common Entry Points
Once you’ve identified the likely spots where ants are getting in, the next step is to seal them off. This is a hands-on project that can make a huge difference in keeping pests outside where they belong. You don’t need a lot of special tools, just some basic supplies you can find at any hardware store.
Here are some of the most effective ways to seal off your home's entry points:
- Seal Foundation Cracks: Use a concrete crack filler or a sealant designed for masonry to fill in any openings you find in your home's foundation. This not only stops ants but also protects your home from water damage.
- Caulk Gaps Around Doors and Windows: Inspect the seals around all your windows and doors. If you see any gaps, use a high-quality, weatherproof caulk to fill them. Make sure to apply it evenly and smooth it out for a clean, effective seal.
- Install Door Sweeps and Weatherstripping: A gap under your front door is a common and easy-to-miss entry point. A simple door sweep can close this gap, while weatherstripping can be added around the frame to create a tighter seal.
- Address Utility and Pipe Openings: Go around the exterior of your home and look for any places where pipes or utility lines enter the building. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal these openings completely. This is a popular route for pests, so don't overlook it.
After you’ve taken these steps, walk around the outside of your home one more time. Look at the corners where the siding meets the foundation and around your garage door. Taking a few minutes to check these spots can prevent a lot of future headaches.
Eliminating Ant Attractants Outside Your Home
Even with a perfectly sealed home, ants will still be drawn to your property if there’s a food source nearby. This is because ants are on a constant search for food and water. If they find a reliable source, they’ll set up a trail that leads right to it, and they'll eventually find a way inside. By getting rid of the things that attract them, you're taking away their motivation to explore your home's interior.
Consider the following common attractants and how to manage them:
- Check for Food Spills and Pet Food: Birdseed, spilled barbecue sauce, or even a forgotten dog bowl on the patio can be a feast for an entire ant colony. Make sure to clean up all spills and store pet food in sealed containers.
- Manage Landscaping and Debris: Overgrown bushes and trees that touch your home can provide a direct bridge for ants. Keep your landscaping trimmed back so that branches and leaves aren't touching your siding or roof. Additionally, stacks of firewood or piles of leaves and debris near the foundation are perfect nesting spots for ants.
- Reduce Moisture: Puddles, leaky faucets, or a clogged gutter can all provide a much-needed water source for ants. Check for any leaks and make sure your gutters are clear to keep water flowing away from your home's foundation.
When you take away the lure of a food source or a place to nest, ants are much less likely to try to get inside in the first place. This two-pronged approach—sealing entry points and removing attractants—is the most powerful way to handle ant prevention.
The Problem With DIY Ant Control
Many homeowners in Los Angeles and throughout Burbank try a variety of DIY methods, from over-the-counter sprays to home remedies like vinegar and baking soda. While these might seem to work for a short time, they rarely get to the heart of the problem. Most sprays only kill the ants you see, not the entire colony. When you kill a few worker ants, the queen simply produces more, and the colony finds a different path inside.
Ants like Argentine ants, a common species in our area, can be particularly difficult to control on your own. They can have multiple queens and are very resilient. For a professional ant exterminator, understanding the species of ant you’re dealing with is a critical first step. An expert can identify the specific type of ant and use a targeted approach that addresses the entire colony, including the queen. This makes a more meaningful and lasting impact on the problem.
When to Bring in a Professional for Ant Control
Even after you've taken every step to prevent ants, sometimes a persistent problem requires a different solution. If you've been seeing a constant stream of ants for weeks, or if you're dealing with a large colony that you can't seem to get rid of, it might be time to get some help.
A professional pest control company like Zenith Environmental Pest has the knowledge and tools to identify the root of the problem and create a customized plan for your home. We use targeted methods to address the colony directly, helping to get the situation under control.
We're here to help you get back to enjoying your home without the unwanted guests. We serve homeowners in Burbank and throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, and we understand the specific pest challenges you face. If you’re tired of playing a game of hide and seek with ants, and you’re ready for a solution that gets to the heart of the matter, we can help.
For effective ant control, please reach out to us by filling out our online contact form or by calling us at (818) 334-6845.