1. Follow the trail
Watch where the ants go. Most indoor trails lead to a gap around a window, door, pipe or crack in the foundation.
2. Remove what they want
- Wipe counters and sweep crumbs daily.
- Store sugar, cereal and pet food in sealed containers.
- Rinse recyclables and empty kitchen trash often.
- Fix drips. Many ants come in looking for water.
3. Bait instead of spray
Place bait stations along the trail and leave the ants alone for several days while they carry bait back to the nest. Spraying kills the workers you see but can split the colony into more nests. Follow the label and keep baits away from kids and pets.
4. Seal and prevent
Once activity stops, caulk gaps and cracks, add weatherstripping and trim plants touching the house.