How do I get rid of ants in my car?

Question: I have ants in my car. How do I get rid of them? I park in a different space at work and at home. I have put down ant bait, but the ants are still there.

Answer: When dealing with an ant infestation in your car, here are a few things to consider:

Why are there ants in my car?

Ants often find their way into cars because of easily accessible food and water sources. Crumbs, spilled drinks, and snack leftovers can make your vehicle an irresistible buffet for these persistent pests. Once one ant finds food, it leaves a pheromone trail, inviting others to follow. Parking near anthills or under trees can also make it easier for ants to enter your car as they forage or look for shelter. To keep ants out, it’s important to regularly clean your car and remove any food debris or spills that might attract them.

Why are there ants in my car when there’s no food in it?

Ants can find their way into a car even if there’s no food present for several reasons. Often, they’re simply exploring their surroundings, which might lead them into vehicles parked near anthills or in wooded areas. If no food is found, they typically leave on their own without setting up a colony. Sometimes, ants are drawn to the shelter a car provides, especially during harsh weather, as it offers protection from predators and the elements. Additionally, if ants have previously found food in the car, they may return out of habit, hoping to find more, even if the food is no longer there.

How to Get Rid of Ants in the Car

To get rid of ants in your car effectively, follow these steps:

1. Move Your Car: If your vehicle is parked near an anthill or under trees, relocating it can help prevent more ants from getting in. Ants rely on pheromone trails to navigate, so changing your car's location can disrupt their path.

2. Clean the Interior Thoroughly: Remove all trash, food wrappers, and anything that could serve as a food source. Vacuum the seats, floor mats, and hidden spots under the seats or in storage compartments to eliminate crumbs and debris that attract ants.

3. Wash the Exterior: Give your car a good wash, paying close attention to the tires and undercarriage where ants may hide or enter.

4. Use Ant Traps or Sprays: If ants persist, try using ant traps inside the car or an ant spray designed for vehicle use. Always choose products that are safe for kids and pets if applicable.

5. Inspect for Nests Nearby: Check around your driveway, parking spot, or yard for ant nests. Eliminating these nests can help prevent ants from making their way back into your car.

By keeping your car clean and addressing any nearby ant colonies, you can greatly reduce the chances of ants returning to your vehicle.

For additional help getting rid of ants in your car and home, call an Orkin Pro.

Related Questions: Ants in My Car

Question: My car is infested with small black ants that were picked up when the car was parked for several days near a wooded area. They are living primarily in the fender wells, etc. and not inside the car, though I have been finding some in the car. What is the best solution to get rid of them without setting off a fumigator in a garage?

Answer: They are not likely to remain there, but for now—vacuum the car as thoroughly as possible, then place some ant bait stations inside; they will find these stations and take the poison bait. Spraying the wheel wells with a water hose may help.

Question: Hello, I'm a naturalist at heart, so I will not "bomb" my car ... I have little ants living in my passenger seat. I can't take the seat cover off, so I can't find exactly where they are! How can I go about killing them effectively? I live in Houston, they seemed to die off in the winter, since I had them last summer ... but like a bad dream, they are back! Please help!

Answer: First ... move the car ... these ants have to be coming in from the outside. It is probably best to describe the problem as an invasion and not an infestation, since it is unlikely that ants would actually establish a nest in a car.

This problem seems to happen often when cars are parked near trees, and ants may simply move into the car during their normal foraging (for food) activity. Of course, if there is food in the car, a large number of workers may be recruited to the site.

Solving this problem is not easy. The first step would be a thorough cleaning of the car (all the food scraps should be vacuumed out). Ant bait stations may help remove the ants when they forage around the car. As a last resort you can try using an aerosol insecticide. It is difficult to say where to spray but remove the carpeting (or lift it up) and spray along seams and corners.

At some large stores, such as Lowe's, you can find plastic strips (about the size of a letter envelope) that are impregnated with an insecticide. They come in a foil wrapping. You can place one of these in the car overnight, or when it is parked for a long time. The insecticide disperses from the plastic over several hours.

Question: We had an Orkin Pro treat our house for an ant problem. But I went out to my car today and they're crawling in my car! I've noticed they've been crawling along the timber across our driveway. What can we do?

Answer: The most effective ways to control bugs in your car involve the use of mechanical and sanitation control measures. These include:

• Using a portable vacuum to remove bugs you see, plus keeping the car's interior clean. Vacuuming is very important since the vacuum not only removes bugs, but also removes crumbs, etc. that provide a good source of food. It is very important to vacuum as thoroughly as possible in all crevices, gaps and under seats. In addition, don't forget to wipe clean any spills of liquids on the seats or floor.

• Using adhesive "sticky traps" to capture foraging bugs.

• Making sure you are not introducing bugs into your car by transporting items that contain ants. Often, people unknowingly move bugs from one place to another via cardboard boxes, paper,or plastic sacks, backpacks,or items they may be getting rid of and hauling in their car.

If you continue to experience problems after following these recommendations, contact your pest management professional for advice and recommendations about other methods to deal with the problem.

Learn More About Ants

What Attracts Carpenter Ants In A Home?

Carpenter ants are attracted to moist wood in homes, including areas with water leaks, damp wall voids, wood touching the ground, and rotting trees or stumps near the house.

What Causes Flying Ants In Your House?

If you notice flying ants in your home, it likely means an ant swarm is happening. Winged males and females are leaving their nest to mate and start new colonies.

Can Orange Oil Repel Fire Ants?

Orange oil might help repel fire ants with its strong odor, but it’s not very effective. Fire ants can detect the treated areas and simply find other ways to get inside.

DIY Ant Treatments

DIY methods like vinegar and diatomaceous earth can offer temporary relief from ant infestations, but they usually fall short of wiping out the entire colony.