Why are there ants in my bathroom?
Question: I have been seeing little ants in my bathroom. They were in my bathroom this time of year last year too. There are tons of them, and I don't know where they are coming from or why they are there. They are only in my upstairs bathroom. How can I get rid of them? I live in Hanover, Minn.
Thank you!
What attracts ants to bathrooms?
Ants are always in search of food, water, and shelter, which they can find in the bathroom. Here are some of the main reasons ants may be attracted to your space:
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Moisture: Many ant species, including odorous house antsand carpenter ants, are drawn to damp environments. Leaky pipes, condensation from showers, or excess humidity create an ideal setting for ants looking for water sources.
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Residue and Scents: Soaps, shampoos, and lotions may contain sugary or fragrant ingredients that attract ants. Even small traces of toothpaste or hair products can be appealing to these pests.
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Accessible Entry Points: Tiny cracks in walls, gaps around pipes, or openings near windows and vents allow ants to easily find their way inside.
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Other Pests: Some ants, like carpenter ants, may be drawn to bathrooms because they hunt smaller insects that thrive in humid conditions
Where do ants hide in the bathroom?
Once inside, ants seek out damp, hidden spaces that provide easy access to water and shelter. You may find them under sinks and behind cabinets where moisture and food particles accumulate. Ants can also gather around drains and leaky pipes or nest inside wall voids and tile grout, where persistent humidity allows them to nest. Windows and vents can be common hiding spots as well, especially if they serve as entry points from outside.
How to Get Rid of Ants in the Bathroom
To get rid of ants in your bathroom, start by addressing the source of the infestation. Follow these steps to eliminate ants and prevent them from returning:
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Clean and Eliminate Trails: Wipe down bathroom surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water or a mild detergent to remove ant pheromone trails that guide others to the same spot.
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Fix Leaks and Reduce Moisture: Repair any leaky pipes, use exhaust fans to reduce humidity, and wipe down sinks and showers to eliminate standing water.
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Seal Entry Points: Caulk cracks around windows, doors, and pipes to block ants from getting inside.
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Use Bait Traps: Ant baits placed near their trails can help eliminate the colony by attracting worker ants to carry poison back to their nest.
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Keep the Bathroom Clean: Wipe up spills, store toiletries properly, and avoid leaving damp towels or wet surfaces that attract ants.
If the infestation persists despite these efforts, professional pest control can help identify the nest and implement targeted treatments to eliminate ants for good. Call your local Orkin branch to learn how to protect your home against infestation with our ant control services.
Related Questions
Orkin used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users:
Question: We have lately had our roof redone. We have had problems with ants in the bathrooms, and we got rid of the nests that took up habitat under the tub area. But when we had the roof done the plywood was replaced and they found a nest. They sprayed and took out all of the wet wood and insulation. But now we are having a problem with some kind of ant coming from under our place. It has a soft body but the head of an ant. Is this a flush of queens or what? They do not have a hard outside skeleton, and they are a red-brown color. No wings. I did not see these ants on your list.
Answer: What you have seen are probably pavement ants; they are common this time of year. Their nests are often found around houses, sometimes on or near sidewalks, patios or against the foundation. Pavement ants nesting outside typically swarm in May and June, and the flight of the winged reproductives can last for days. Colonies nesting close to houses or heated buildings can swarm any time of year. These ants feed on other insects and usually remain outside, but they will forage indoors and can be a problem for short periods of time. They usually make and follow trails along edges, such as along the edge of baseboards, carpets and pipes. These trails can help homeowners locate the site of the nest; follow the ants that are moving out of the house.
Learn More About Ants
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