How to Get Rid of Ants in Walls Permanently
Ants that live within walls can annoy and frustrate you when they come back despite all your efforts to get rid of them. If they stick around long enough inside, they can grow into extensive colonies within the walls, making it almost impossible to eliminate them entirely.
This guide will help you answer the questions of why ants live in walls, what the common species found invading homes are, and how to get rid of them effectively.
Reasons Why Ants Live in Walls
Reason why ants live in walls is because of its desirable environment, as they provide a shelter to hide in with easy access to food and water. Unlike open areas, such walls are considered safe from predators and extreme weather conditions.
Ants enter into walls through cracks, gaps around windows, or spaces between bricks. This is why limiting entry points makes it difficult for an ant to establish a colony within a wall.
Ant Species Common in Walls
1. Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are among the most common ants species that infest walls. Most are reddish-black and range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size. If there is moist and decaying wood in any house, ants may prefer invading such places. This is why an ant infestation in wooden buildings poses a serious risk of property damage.
Ants don’t eat wood, they create a tunnel into it where they can create nests, leading to damaging the whole structure. If you don’t pay attention, carpenter ants can weaken your home over time.
2. Fire Ants
Being reddish brown in color, fire ants are small creatures that live in warm environments. This species is commonly found in the United States, where they nest near water and food sources. Fire ants have a very aggressive nature. In fact, their stings are really painful and may lead to allergic reactions. If you are facing a fire ant infestation, act quickly because they spread rapidly.
3. Sugar Ants
Sugar ants are pavement pests that are commonly brown or black. They prefer to stick to almost everything sweet. They invade homes, seeking sweets and other sugar-based foods. Although they do not pose a health hazard, they may contaminate food and are a nuisance if not removed.
4. Pharaoh Ants
The tiny yellow-brown pharaoh ant belongs to the group of insects that thrive in humid and warm conditions. They also build nests around food and water sources and even in the walls. Also, they are known for transferring bacteria, making it very hard to eliminate them once settled indoors.
5. Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants can strip insulation from electric wires, creating a risk but are non-threatening. They make their nests in walls and other concealed areas, making them difficult to detect by the homeowner.
6. Argentine Ants
These insects are very small and dark brown. They prefer bathrooms or moist environments. Generally, they are not harmful; however, they release a musty odor when crushed, which feels unpleasant in a house.
7. Odorous Ants
These are small-sized ants that release a rotten, and similar to coconut scent when crushed. They are common throughout the United States and usually invade homes looking for food. Though they lack the ability to cause structural damage, they can be an annoying nuisance.
8. Crazy Ants
Crazy ants are small, dark brown or blackish insects with erratic movement. They love to invade homes around fall or after heavy rains. In fact, some of them prefer nesting under floors or inside walls. They do not pose any serious threat but can be annoying after infestation.
Hacks to Eliminate Ants in Walls
1. Use Borax
Borax is a common and effective remedy to eliminate ants. It works as a slow poisons that allow ants to die without harming humans. To apply, mix borax with sugar and warm water to create a bait solution.
Soak cotton wools in the mixture and place them in places where ants are generally seen. But make sure to place borax out of the reach of pets and children, as it can be injurious.
2. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Made from fossilized algae, diatomaceous earth is a natural powder. It kills ants from dehydration as it absorbs moisture from their exoskeleton. Identify places where you have noticed ants, like baseboards, cracks, and other entry point, and sprinkle this powder.
Make sure to always use food-grade diatomaceous earth and avoid breathing it, as it can affect your respiratory system.
3. Liquid Detergent
Liquid detergent combined with a glass cleaner will help destroy black ants that bite because it removes their pheromone trails. Removing ant trails is essential as they serve as the road map for other ants and lead straight to food.
Mix dish soap and glass cleaner in a spray bottle and spray on places with ant activity. Wipe it away after spraying, leaving a slight residue as a deterrent for any future ants.
4. Red or Ground Pepper
Ants can’t stand the strong scent of black or red (cayenne) pepper. Sprinkling it around baseboards, cracks, and behind appliances can keep the ants at bay. Though this doesn’t kill the ants, it does provide a natural deterrent to keep them outside of your home.
5. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
An effective insect repellent, oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is derived from the gum of the eucalyptus tree. This oil is classified as a biopesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because it contains a chemical named PMD.
Spraying entry points with OLE in affected areas may help to repel the ants and discourage further invasion. However, this oil can be sensitive for some people and should be used carefully.
Conclusion
Exterminating ants needs a series of treatments and preventive measures. Using natural products such as borax, diatomaceous earth, or essential oils will get rid of the ants without causing any damage to the household. By using safe methods and following our above-mentioned guide, you can make your home ant-free for the long term.
FAQs
How can I find ants in my walls?
Some of the major signs of having ants in your walls include noticing rustling sounds, seeing ants, and noticing minor cracks on your wall. Noticing damages on wooden structures also hints at an ant infestation in walls.
How can I get rid of ants in the wall quickly?
Applying borax bait and diatomaceous earth is considered an effective means to eliminate ants. Also, make sure to seal cracks and decrease food sources for better results.
Can ants in walls cause structural damage?
Yes, carpenter ants can weaken wooden structures by tunneling through them, while other species may nest near electrical wiring, increasing fire risks.
Are Ants Hiding In Your Walls? Call Professionals!
Dealing with ants can be challenging. However, it becomes more difficult when they nest in your walls. If you want to get rid of ants in your walls, call Safe Pest Sol right now! Our expert pest control services will ensure you make your space ant-free.