We’ve all heard the saying, “ants in your pants,” describing someone who can’t sit still. Thankfully, it’s not a literal description. But what about ants in your home, even your bedroom? You’re probably thinking, “That can’t happen!” Unfortunately, it can. And it happens more often than you might think. These determined little intruders can quickly and easily turn your cozy sanctuary into an ant-infested nightmare.
Let’s take a look at what might cause ants to make their home in your bedroom, how to prevent them from getting there in the first place and, if they do, how to get rid of them.
Reasons Ants Might Consider Your Bedroom Their Home
- Shelter
Simple enough, your bedroom offers a safe haven for tiny insects like ants. It’s undisturbed most of the day with great spaces to hide like closets, corners and under your bed. - Food Sources
What’s that? You never, ever eat in your bed? Relax, we all do it from time to time. And since ants are always on the lookout for food, even the tiniest of crumbs can attract them. If your bedroom is a food-free zone, it’s always possible that crumbs could track in along with you from other rooms. - Moisture
Ants are attracted to moisture, so be aware of whether your bedroom might be excessively humid or if there are any leaks. Carpenter ants are especially drawn to wet areas and have the potential to cause structural damage over time. - Change of Seasons
Something as simple as the change in seasons can affect ant behavior. During extreme weather conditions, ants will seek refuge in warm and dry places so don’t be surprised if they start making themselves comfortable in your bedroom.
How to Prevent Ants from Invading the Bedroom
Hopefully you don’t have an ant problem in your home, let alone your bedroom. Keep it that way with these methods to prevent ants from entering your home:
- Regular Cleaning
Vacuum your bedroom regularly to remove any crumbs. Focus on the area around your bed, nightstands, and under your furniture. - Safe Storage
We won’t judge if you keep your Netflix snack stash in your bedroom. Make sure you store any food items in airtight containers to prevent ants from gaining access. - Moisture Control
Keep your bedroom properly ventilated. Remove any humidity and moisture with regular use of a dehumidifier. Address any potential leaks in your roof or plumbing. - Seal Entry Points
Ants can sneak into your bedroom through even the tiniest gaps and cracks. Check your bedroom for any openings, especially around windows, doors and baseboards. Seal these entry points with caulking or weatherstripping.
How to Get Rid of Ants in the Bedroom
If you’re reading this because ants have found their way into your bedroom, here are some ways to send them packing.
Natural Methods
If you’re dealing with a minor ant problem, you can try these natural solutions:
- Essential Oils: Ants can’t tolerate strong scents like peppermint. Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it around potential entry points. Bonus, your bedroom will smell terrific.
- Lemon Juice: Thanks to its acidic properties, lemon juice can disrupt ant trails. Squeeze some lemon juice on a cloth and wipe down the surfaces and areas where you’re seeing the ants.
- Vinegar Solution: A solution of vinegar and water can help deter ants when sprayed along window sills, door frames, and other entry points.
- DIY Bait Stations: Make your own bait stations by mixing sugar and boric acid. Place them near the ant trails but always make sure they will be out of reach of children and pets. The ants will carry this mixture back to their nest, eliminating the colony.
Chemical Products
If natural remedies don’t do the trick, you may need to turn to chemical ant control products. These methods include ant sprays and baits designed specifically to target ants.
As with any chemical control method, read and follow the instructions carefully and keep these products out of reach of children and pets. Please always make sure to ventilate the room, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling these products.
Professional Intervention
If you’ve tried the peppermint oil and the lemons, the dehumidifier and even the bug spray and you still have ants, it’s time to bring in the pest control experts. They have the knowledge, experience and equipment to prevent and control the most stubborn of ant infestations.
A professional pest control technician will be able to determine the exact species of ant you’re dealing with and apply the most effective course of action. They will use safe and environmentally friendly methods to protect your family and pets and leave you with ongoing prevention strategies to keep ants and other pests out of your bedroom for good.
Prevention for Peace of Mind
If you’re concerned that your bedroom – or any room in your home – might make a welcome safe haven for ants or other small insects, get the peace of mind with a preventative evaluation by one of our Moyer Pest experts. Visit emoyer.com/pest or call 215.799.2010.