Although highly beneficial to the ecosystem, ants have a reputation for causing trouble anywhere they are found. With more than 12,000 species of ants known to exist, they hold the status for tiny creatures that boast incredible strength compared to their body size -measuring up to one full centimeter.
Ants live in large colonies and have a queen, just like the beautiful bees that roam throughout nature. They’re particularly social insects, hence why you’ll often be able to find them separated in their respective groups. Together, they can penetrate through the most challenging places, like your bathroom drains.
In this article, we’re going to find out how to get rid of ants in the bathroom, and figure out what on earth leads them there in the first place!
Let’s dive right in.
Why in the Bathroom?
So, why in the bathroom?
Well, there are various reasons as to why you may see ants lurking in your place of peace, but realistically, it all boils down to two. They need food and water, and your shower and sink provide them with both.
Whether your issue is with brown ants, fire ants, tiny black ants, or even carpenter ants -your bathroom is a stable source of food that ants are able to rely on, especially if not kept clean.
After each shower, you leave behind a trail of collected dirt that sat on your body, along with excess water. These two things combined create a steady supply of essential resources which helps ants survive and thrive.
In addition to food and water, your shower and sink may contain various other sources that attracts ants. Just some of them are:
● Shower drain odor
● Sludge in plumbing
● Junk collected in the shower like fungus, mold, or dead skin
● Dirt and other signs of edible material
● Organic body wash or shampoos
● Dead flies, roaches, recluse spiders, or other pests that tend to lurk in this area of your home
● Sometimes, they could even seek warmth or shelter
Any of the items listed above can attract ants, which eventually leads them to overhaul your bathroom.
The solution? Well, the easiest and most efficient would be to hire Overland Park pest control services right here at Manti’s Pest Solutions. However, if you love to indulge in some DIY before you call the experts, try and use our following tips when getting rid of ants in the bathroom.
Getting Rid of Ants in the Bathroom DIY Style
H3: Locate and Seal Ants’ Entry Point
The bathroom may not be their only entry point. Being so tiny, ants are able to welcome themselves into your home through any opening -even the smallest.
Notice ants all over your home? Do some ant control. Start by observing their behavior, find their entry points, and seal them off with caulk.
Need some extra tips on ants around the home? Check out our previous article on: Why Do Ants Suddenly Appear in the House and How to Stop Them from Getting In.
Ensure There Are No Leaks
Whether you have a shower or bathtub, you need to keep the wood behind it dry at all times. When a leak occurs, the water penetrates the wood and makes it damp. As it seeps through, the wood studs become wet and create the ultimate damp environment -a blessing for ants as they find their way through.
Vinegar
Vinegar can be helpful for a lot of things around the house, but did you know that it is also a natural ant killer? With the scent being so strong, it also repels and disrupts their trails.
Mix some vinegar with water and pour it into a spray bottle, then do some ant control as you spray it directly on ants in your shower, drain, sink, or all over your bathroom. Ensure you wipe them and dispose of them in the trash, as you may attract a new group if you don’t.
Ant Control With Bait
Ant baits are a compelling ant control method when it comes to completely removing them from your bathroom drain.
By just going on Amazon, you can find so many options! But this one is our favorite: Home Plus Ant Killer (4-Pack), Metal Ant Traps Indoor & Outdoor, Ant Bait Station, Pet Resistant Ant Killer, Effective Ant Control System – promising to get rid of the entire colony and Queen in just twenty-four hours!
If All Else Fails
If all else fails, bring in the experts. Call us for Overland Park pest control! Here at Mantis, we offer methods of ant control that are targeted to eliminate specific ant species. We can solve the problem quickly and, needless to say, in a perfectly safe way for both your family and pets.