So, it’s essential to act swiftly to rid your bathroom of ant colonies and, at the same time, inspect for any possible damage that you may need to repair.
What Attracts Ant to Your Bathroom?
Ants usually remain in pursuit of food, water sources, and a suitable nesting site. If they find your bathroom suitable for any of these, it could become a hotspot for ant infestation.
Ants often seek out water sources to survive, especially during dry weather. Even some special species of ants, like – Carpenter ants and Argentine ants, are drawn to moist environments. This means that any damp areas or plumbing leaks in your bathroom can provide a water source for ants, and they can nest in these damp and moist bathroom areas.
Likewise, your bathroom can also be a food source for ants. People keep a variety of toiletries and hygiene products in the bathroom, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, conditioner, bathroom cleaners, and more.
If these chemical products are left uncovered or the lid/cap inadequately secured, their scent and odors can quickly attract the ants. Therefore, properly storing and sealing these items are essential to prevent ant infestations.
How to Combat Ants in the Bathroom?
Here are some easy steps to prevent ants from being present in your bathroom.
Regularly Clean Every Space of Your Bathroom
The first rule of thumb for preventing ants in your bathroom is to keep your bathroom clean consistently. Each week, you should scrub all the nooks and crannies in the bathroom in a way that it remains free from any lingering odors. This also includes cleaning the toilet bowl and tank, sinks, bathtub, shower, and the often-overlooked grime that can accumulate between tiles.
Sometimes, ants nest under the drain, so it’s essential to clean this area regularly as well. Since ants typically remain hidden in nests and aren’t easily visible, be sure to inspect these hidden spots and clean and spray them appropriately.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Seal off any openings of the bathroom that act as an entry point for ants. For example, your bathroom may have cracks and crevices on its foundation that allow ants to enter. So you need to fix those openings ASAP.
For minor cracks, you can use caulk or silicone sealant. But for more significant gaps or openings, you should apply expanding foam or weatherstripping. Make sure these openings remain tight enough to prevent ants from entering your bathroom.
Keep It Moisture-free
Keep your bathroom as moist and damp-free as you can. Water and moisture are also attractive to ants, especially during dry spells. You can use a dehumidifier or bathroom exhaust fan to help reduce moisture levels and create a less attractive environment for ants.
Keep the Bottle Tightly Sealed
Be mindful of leaving chemical containers open. Make sure to seal or close the lids of all bottles securely. If any of the toiletries, such as shampoo bottles, are open, the scent may invite the army of ants. Also, instead of leaving soap in a soap dish, use an enclosed container to prevent any enticing aromas from escaping.
Fix Damaged or Leaked Plumbing System
Ants may also establish colonies in those spots that are not visible. One such hidden colony for them is the plumbing system. If you suspect there might be leaks in your plumbing system, moisture-loving ants could nest in those areas and occasionally emerge through the drains. In such cases, you should call a plumber to get it fixed.
Take Professional Help
These preventive measures might be enough for any homeowners in dealing with an ant infestation in their bathroom. However, you can’t expect them to disappear overnight; it may take some weeks to resolve the issue.
If you continue to see signs of infestation despite consistent preventive efforts, you should call a professional pest control service for consultation and treatment.
How to Eradicate Ants in Your Bathroom?
If you find yourself in a situation where your bathroom is already infested with a swamp of ants and you don’t know how to drive them out of your bathroom, here are some common and effective methods:
Use Liquid Ant bait.
Most liquid ant baits use boric acid to kill ants. While there are various brands available, Terro stands out as a prominent and trusted name in the industry. Terro Liquid Ant Bait is not harmful to humans or other animals and has proven very effective in eradicating ant infestations.
Borax
Borax is an alkaline chemical with a high pH level that kills and eliminates ants and acts as a power cleaning agent for bathroom fixtures. Mix a small amount of honey with a borax solution to attract ants.
However, borax is mildly toxic to humans and pets. So, while applying borax solution, always wear protective gloves. Also, ensure that children and pets are kept away from the bathroom during the process.
White Distilled Vinegar
White distilled vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent used in the bathroom. It is also an effective deterrent to ant scent trails. Mix vinegar with water in a spray bottle and use it to clean surfaces in your bathroom.
FAQ
Does Diabetic Pee Attract Ants?
Answer: The blood glucose level of diabetic patients goes high, and the body tries to balance it by eliminating it through urine. This phenomenon can result in sweet-smelling urine. A myth established around it is that diabetic pee can attract ants. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief.
Are Ant Pesticides Toxic to Humans and Pets?
Answer: Every ant pesticide is more or less toxic to humans and pets. Some ant traps and baits are attractive to ants due to their sweet smell and taste, which can also attract your pets, such as cats. So, you need to be cautious on your side to keep the children and pets away from these treated areas.
How Long Will Vinegar Keep Ants Away?
Answer: Vinegar can repel the ants as long as the smells exist. When the odors or smells of vinegar are no longer available, it becomes ineffective in keeping away the ants.
Conclusion
All these techniques for preventing and eliminating ants are tried and true. Some measures are daily, non-toxic practices that prevent ants and other insects, keep your bathroom germ-free, and maintain proper hygiene.
When using mildly toxic repellents, take precautions such as wearing protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation. And, of course, always err on the side of caution by minimizing the exposure to chemicals.
