The Unexpected Place Ants May Be Hiding In Your Home (& How To Get Rid Of Them)

Ant invasions in homes are not uncommon, and these tiny intruders have specific preferences when it comes to their favorite hiding spots. Ants are drawn to areas that offer easy access to food, water, and shelter. Kitchens and pantries are prime targets due to the abundance of crumbs and spills. However, ants can also venture into less obvious spaces. Though it often leaves homeowners perplexed, these industrious insects can end up hiding within the fibers of their carpets.

Ants are attracted to the warmth and protection that carpets provide. More importantly, crumbs, spilled drinks, and food particles that fall into carpets can create a hidden buffet for these tiny pests. Carpets and rugs placed near entry points or around food storage areas are especially vulnerable to ant infestations. Common methods of eliminating ants involve using insecticides, traps, or natural remedies like vinegar and essential oils. However, when it comes to carpets in particular, one of the most effective solutions is borax.

Borax (sodium tetraborate) is a naturally occurring mineral comprising sodium, oxygen, and boron. It's used as an ingredient in a range of consumer, commercial, and industrial products and can be a powerful weapon in ridding your carpets and rugs of pesky ants. Its fine powdery consistency allows it to penetrate deep into the carpet fibers, reaching hidden ants looking for food. With contact, borax disrupts the insects' exoskeleton and digestive system, ultimately leading to their demise. You can easily purchase products like 20 Mule Team Borax priced at $26.45 for a 76-ounce box at Walmart, at the time of writing, or Prescribed for Life Borax Powder, which costs $18.49 for a 1-pound bag at Amazon.

To make borax appetizing for ants, mix it with powdered sugar in equal parts and sprinkle the mixture along ant trails or put it in a shallow dish placed strategically near the infested carpet. The sugar attracts ants, and once they consume the borax-laced bait, the mineral takes its toll. However, caution is advised, as borax can be toxic to humans and pets. Ensure application only in areas inaccessible to children and animals, handle with gloves, and vacuum or clean up thoroughly after treatment. Be patient when using borax for ant control as it's a slow-acting agent, and the pests will need to bring lots of it to their nest for it to make a significant impact. For this reason, it's best to treat borax as a complementary method for getting rid of ants rather than a standalone permanent solution.

To fortify your home against ant invasions and pests in general for the long term, you need to make your living space unattractive to these unwelcome visitors. Begin by sealing any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations to eliminate potential entry points. A meticulous cleanliness routine is fundamental: Store food in airtight containers, promptly address spills, and consistently sweep the floor and clean countertops and other surfaces to eliminate crumbs and food particles.

Moisture is a magnet for ants, so ensure that moisture-prone areas are kept dry. Promptly fix leaks, and trim vegetation away from the house to discourage ant colonies from establishing nearby. If you're concerned about ants entering your home, consider using ant-repellent sprays, powders or dust placed along the edges of your home to create a deterrent barrier, like the highly rated TERRO® Perimeter Ant Bait Plus which retails at $16.99 online for a 2-pound shaker canister.

For a comprehensive defense strategy, it's essential to identify and eliminate items that attract ants. Opt for sealed trash containers, clean pet bowls regularly, and dispose of waste promptly. By maintaining a vigilant stance on cleanliness and employing preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of ant infestations and keep pests out of your home.