Finding Ants in Your Home? Here’s What to Do
You walk into your kitchen to grab a snack, and there it is—a tiny trail of ants marching across your countertop like they own the place. If this scene sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Ant problems spike during the warmer months, and kitchens are one of their favourite destinations.
If you’ve ever wondered why ants keep showing up in your home, or how to get rid of them once and for all, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll break down what attracts ants in homes, the common species you might be seeing, how to get rid of them, and when it’s time to call in a professional.
Why Are Ants in My Kitchen?
Ants are constantly foraging for food—and your kitchen is prime real estate. In the spring and summer, Calgary’s ant populations become more active as they leave their nests in search of water, sugar, protein, and grease.
They’re not just being annoying; they’re working. When a scout ant finds a food source, it leaves a pheromone trail so others can follow. That’s why you’ll suddenly see a whole parade of them appear out of nowhere. The longer food is accessible, the bigger the ant party.
Common kitchen culprits include:
Crumbs on the floor or countertops
Spills of juice, soda, or sweet sauces
Unsealed food containers
Pet food left out
Greasy stovetops or food residue
Even the smallest trace of food can attract ants—especially species like pavement ants and house ants, which are common in Calgary.
Common Ant Species in Calgary Homes
Understanding what type of ants you’re dealing with can help you treat them more effectively. Here are a few of the usual suspects:
Pavement Ants
These are some of the most common ants found in Calgary homes. They nest in cracks in driveways, sidewalks, and building foundations, and they often make their way inside to forage. They’re small (around 2.5 to 4 mm), dark brown to black, and love sugary and greasy foods.
Odorous House Ants
These ants give off a rotten coconut smell when crushed (yes, really). They’re tiny, brown or black, and particularly fond of sweets. They often set up temporary nests inside wall voids, making them tricky to eliminate without professional help.
Carpenter Ants
Larger than most other ants, carpenter ants can be black or reddish. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, but they do burrow into it to build nests, which can cause serious structural damage over time. If you're seeing big black ants indoors, especially at night, it’s worth getting your home inspected.
How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home
Clean Thoroughly and Often
This might seem obvious, but it’s the foundation of any good ant control strategy. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, vacuum crumbs, and keep food sealed tightly. Don’t forget under appliances and inside cabinets—ants can find even the smallest morsels.
Remove the Scent Trail
Even if you’ve cleaned up the food, the scent trail left by the ants can linger. Use a solution of vinegar and water (or soapy water) to wipe down areas where ants have been. This removes the pheromones that tell the rest of the colony where to go.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your baseboards, window sills, doors, and pipes for gaps or cracks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal off entry points. This is especially important in older Calgary homes where settling can cause small cracks over time.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, ants keep coming back—or get worse. That’s when it’s time to bring in the experts.
You should call a professional pest control company if:
You’re seeing ants consistently for more than a few days
You’re finding ants in multiple rooms
You suspect a hidden nest (especially carpenter ants)
You want long-term prevention
At PreventX, we offer customized ant control solutions based on your specific situation. Our trained technicians can identify the ant species and apply targeted treatments that eliminate the colony—not just the ants you can see.
We also offer prevention advice and follow-up treatments to keep ants from coming back.
Ant Prevention Tips for Calgary Homeowners
Want to keep ants out for good? Here are some proactive steps you can take:
Store food in airtight containers
Wipe down kitchen counters daily
Fix leaky faucets or pipes—ants also seek moisture
Take out the garbage regularly
Feed pets on a schedule and clean bowls afterward
Trim shrubs and trees away from your home’s exterior
Inspect the exterior of your home every spring for cracks or gaps
With Calgary’s fluctuating climate, ants can suddenly become active with the first warm spell in spring. Being prepared helps you stay one step ahead.
Final Thoughts
Finding ants in your home is frustrating—but totally fixable. The key is acting quickly and thoroughly. Contact PreventX today for expert ant control in Calgary. We’ll help you identify the root of the problem and provide lasting solutions so you can get back to enjoying your home—ant-free.
