Why Ants Keep Coming Back-and What You Can Do About It

You wipe the counter, take out the trash, and even mop the floors... but somehow, there they are. A tiny trail of ants marching along your baseboards like they own the place. We get it-and we're here to help.

Whether you're dealing with a full-blown invasion or just a few pesky scouts, here's how to handle ants the DIY way and actually get results. 

Why Are Ants Even Here? 

Ants don't just show up for fun- they're on a mission. Usually, it's one of three things:

• Food Crumbs (especially sweets and greasy foods)
• Moisture (like under sinks or around pet bowls)
• Access Points (cracks in windows, baseboards, or outlets) 

Once a scout ant finds something it likes, it lays down a pheromone trail- basically creating a breadcrumb path for the rest of the colony to follow. That's why they "suddenly appear" all at once. 

DIY Ant Solutions That Actually Work 

1. Disrupt Their Trail 

Wipe down ant trails with white vinegar or lemon juice. These cut through their scent trails and confuse the colony. 

2. Seal Entry Points 

Use caulk or weather stripping to seal cracks around windows, doors, and plumbing pipes. If they can't get in, they can't take over. 

3. DIY Ant Bait (That Actually Works!)

Mix:

• 1 tablespoon of borax
• 3 tablespoons of sugar
• A few drops of water 

 Place a few small amounts on a piece of wax paper near where you see the ants trailing. They'll take it back to the colony, and you'll start to see results in a few days. 

Pro Tip: You can also mix borax with peanut butter if the ants are more into protein than sugar. Ants are weird like that.

If you prefer not to spray or mix anything, ready-made ant bait stations (like those from Terro or Combat) can be placed near trails. They're mess-free, low-tox, and a more targeted way to eliminate ants without dust or chemical sprays. 

4. Keep Things Dry and Clean 

Wipe up spills, empty bowls overnight, and store food in sealed containers. Even a sticky jar lid can attract a parade. 

What Not to Do 

• Don't just spray the visible ants. That kills scouts, but the colony is still going strong- and they'll just send more. 
• Avoid bleach or ammonia near baits. Strong cleaners can repel ants before they take the poison back 

When to Call a Pro 

If you're seeing carpenter ants (large black ants that tunnel into wood), or if your DIY efforts haven't made a dent in 7-10 days, it might be time to call in backup. Some infestations are more stubborn than others 

Final Thoughts 

Ants are smart, persistent, and organized- but so are you. With the right DIY strategy, you can stop the trail and take back your kitchen, porch, or pantry.

Already tried one of these tips? Let us know how it worked for you in the comments below-or check out our recent post on mosquito control while you're here.