Why Ants Love Your Kitchen and Bathroom—and How to Keep Them Out Naturally

Ants can be annoying pests and a challenge to control both inside the home and outdoors. If you're noticing these little buggers targeting your kitchen or bathroom specifically, you're certainly not alone. But what specifically attracts ants here—and how do you eliminate these inadvertent invitations?

Our experts detail why ants love kitchens and bathrooms—and what you can do to keep them from invading your home.

Moisture

One of the main ant attractants within a home is moisture, which is typically abundant in kitchens and bathrooms. "Water is crucial for an ant’s survival, so they’ll often seek out water sources where they can drink right away and bring more back to the rest of their colony," says Emma Grace Crumbley, entomologist with Mosquito Squad Plus.

Kitchen and bathroom faucets and drains (especially leaky or clogged ones, respectively) are a perfect water source for ants. There are more obscure sources in these areas to watch out for, too, adds Crumbley. Think: pet bowls, leaky pipes, condensation, and houseplants, Crumbley says.

How to Fix It

Pay attention to faucets and clogged drains. If you notice that your kitchen or bathroom sink is even a little drippy or leaky, you’ll want to call a professional to get it fixed as soon as possible. “The same rule of thumb applies for clogged drains in sinks, bathtubs, and showers,” Crumbley says, adding, “It’s also best to routinely inspect pipes under sinks for any leaks or holes around plumbing penetrations that ants may be using as an access point into your home.”

Run the bathroom exhaust fan after showering or bathing to dry the room more quickly. And if you have houseplants, avoid overwatering.

Related Stories

8 Home Design Fixes That Keep Pests Out and Look Great

How to Eliminate Fire Ants in Your Yard Naturally, According to Entomologists

Food

Food is definitely the top attractant of different pests, including ants. Sufficient food is required to build a colony, and kitchens provide crumbs, spills, and pet food that are easy to access.

“Unwashed dishes can also attract ants,” says Jeff Schumacher, pest pro and owner of All-Safe Pest and Termite.

How to Fix It

Regularly sweep and mop floors, wipe down countertops, and wash dishes regularly, says Schumacher. Clean up spills immediately and store snacks in airtight containers.

If a pantry infestation is suspected, discard all contaminated food and any other open dry goods in outdoor trash bins. Clean the infested area thoroughly with a vacuum and soap and water.

Easy Access

Ants are skilled at exploiting even the smallest structural weaknesses as entry points. “Once they enter, they release pheromones to attract other ants from the colony,” warns Crumbley, “which is why early intervention is key to avoiding a full-blown infestation.” 

Peeling tile grout, worn caulk, gaps around plumbing lines, and moisture-damaged wood—all commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms—provide easy access for ants.

How to Fix It

Sealing unwanted tiny cracks, gaps in doors or windows, or utility lines, and holes around the home is one of the best ways to prevent ants from gaining access in the first place. “Ensure doors and windows are sealed or have proper weather stripping,” Crumbley says, “and fix any foundational issues around the home.” Ensure that fixtures, cabinets, sinks, and baseboards sit flush against the wall, as well.

Also, try locating the ant trails and following them to find where they enter. “Once you find the entry point, seal it with caulk or another barrier,” says Trent Frazer, lead entomologist at Aptive Pest Control.

When to Contact a Pest-Control Professional

While there are several steps you can take to control an ant problem on your own, sometimes the size of the colony or the severity of the infestation can be difficult to handle by yourself. “If an ant problem is getting out of hand, I recommend calling a pest control professional,” says Crumbley.

Due to their advanced worker system and large colony size, when ants invade your home, they don’t just come in twos. “Ant colonies may total several thousand ants,” Crumbley says. “The majority of which will be workers and soldiers that leave the nest to forage and fight off threats.”

Ants can also pose public health threats and can cause significant structural damage, depending on the species. “Aggressive species like fire ants will bite and sting any perceived threat to their nest,” Crumbley says, and all ant bites and stings (regardless of species) may lead to allergic reactions in individuals with bee allergies. Better to be safe than sorry.