Every year, it’s the same story. Sometime between late June and early July, people start noticing ants marching across the kitchen floor, or worse, coming out of electrical outlets, baseboards, or, in one particularly memorable case, a toaster. (Yes, really.)
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why are there so many ants in my house right now?”, you’re not alone. It’s not just a coincidence. There’s actually a solid explanation rooted in weather patterns, biology, and, well… snack crumbs.
If you suspect an infestation, it might be time to contact Womack, the best professional pest control Frederick, Maryland residents depend on to keep the ants out for good.
Why Ants Are More Common in Summer
Let’s break it down. The jump in ant presence during summer isn’t random. It’s a mix of heat, behavior, and what’s going on inside your home.
1. Warm Weather Accelerates Their Life Cycle
Ants are cold-blooded, so heat speeds everything up from egg development to colony expansion. Think of it like pressing the fast-forward button on their life cycle.
There’s even a scientific study from NIH showing how warmer temperatures directly increase their foraging and reproductive behavior. Translation? More ants, moving faster, doing more ant things.
2. Hot, Dry Conditions Push Ants Indoors
During dry spells (which Maryland often sees in July), ants head indoors to find water. That slow-dripping faucet in the bathroom? Jackpot. The pet’s water bowl that sits out overnight? That’s like a bug-sized oasis.
It’s not always about food; moisture plays a huge role in why ants choose your home.
3. More Food Sources Are Available
Between outdoor cookouts, kids home for summer, and the occasional lazy dinner left on the counter, ants have plenty of reasons to stop by.
Angi points out that even a trace of sugar or grease can lead an entire trail of ants straight to the source. A single chip crumb can spark a full-scale invasion.
4. Ants Are Seeking Shelter
Believe it or not, the inside of your house is sometimes cooler than the outdoors. Ants like that. They sneak in through cracks in your foundation, tiny gaps in window frames, or right under the door. You might not notice until they’ve settled in.
How to Prevent Ant Infestations
There’s no magic fix, but a few simple habits go a long way.
- Keep the kitchen clean. Not spotless, just under control. Wipe up spills, stash snacks in sealed containers, and don’t let dishes pile up overnight.
- Fix leaks, if you’ve got them. Even a slow drip can give ants the moisture they need. That damp basement corner? It’s an ant magnet.
- Shut down entry points. Ants don’t need much just a hairline crack in the foundation or a loose window screen. It helps to do a quick walkaround once a season to seal things up.
- Don’t forget the yard. Shrubs and branches that brush against your siding? Basically a bridge for pests. Keep them trimmed, and avoid stacking firewood near the house.
Already Seeing Ants Inside?
That’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’ve lost the battle. Here’s what to do if you’re already under siege:
Step one: figure out what you’re dealing with. There are different types of ants, and not all respond to the same treatments. For example, carpenter ants chew through wood, while odorous house ants are more of a nuisance. You can check the Maryland Department of Agriculture guide for help identifying what’s crawling around.
Step two: avoid the urge to spray. It feels satisfying. Sprays might kill the ones you see, but they just scatter the rest. Baits work better because ants carry poison back to the colony, wiping it out from the inside. It’s not instant, but it’s more effective long term.
Step three: wipe the trails. Ants don’t just wander. They leave scent trails that tell others where to go. Cleaning those with vinegar and water helps break the pattern.
When It’s Time to Call In a Professional
If you’ve tried the usual steps and ants keep coming back, it might be time to call someone who deals with this every day.
That’s where we come in. At Womack Pest Control, we’ve been helping Maryland homeowners deal with ants and all kinds of other pests for decades. We’ll figure out what type of ant you’re dealing with, where they’re coming from, and how to stop them for good.
Have questions or just want to schedule a visit? Give us a call at 301-881-5181.