Ants love dark, damp places that provide food and water, which makes bathrooms an ideal location for these pesky creatures. If you’ve noticed ants creeping around your bathroom, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem and one that can be solved with the right methods.
Ants in the bathroom may seem confusing at first, but there’s usually a reason why they’re there. Understanding the root cause and taking the proper steps can help you rid your bathroom of ants for good.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to eliminate ants from your bathroom, using both professional techniques and natural remedies.
Let’s get straight to the point
Ants are often attracted to bathrooms due to moisture, decaying organic material, and structural issues. To remove them, first address the causes by fixing leaks, cleaning regularly, and sealing cracks.
Effective ant removal methods include using borax, bleach sprays, essential oils, and granular baits. Natural solutions like essential oils can repel ants, while stronger methods like bait stations and fumigation may be necessary for severe infestations.
To prevent future issues, keep the bathroom clean, dry, and well-sealed. If problems persist, consider professional help.
Why Do I Have Ants in My Bathroom?
Before jumping into how to get rid of ants, it’s important to understand why ants are in your bathroom. Ants are naturally drawn to environments where they can find food, water, and shelter, making the bathroom an attractive place.
Let’s explore some of the reasons behind ant infestations in the bathroom.
Odours and Organic Material
Ants follow the scent of food, and though you may not be eating in the bathroom, there are plenty of odours that ants are drawn to. Decaying organic material, such as hair, skin cells, and soap scum, can attract ants to bathroom drains and corners.
Hair lodged in a drain or stuck in tiles provides a great feeding ground for ants. While these scents might not be noticeable to humans, ants are incredibly sensitive to odours and will swarm towards them.
Moisture and Leaks
Ants are also drawn to moisture-rich environments, which makes your bathroom an ideal habitat. Bathrooms are often damp due to the frequent use of water in sinks, showers, and toilets.
Leaking pipes or pooling water can lead to wood rot and provide the perfect environment for certain ant species, such as carpenter ants, which nest in decaying wood. It’s critical to fix any leaks or moisture problems to prevent ants from thriving in your bathroom.
Decaying Wood and Structural Issues
Sometimes, ants enter the bathroom to nest in decaying wood. Bathrooms with poor ventilation or water damage can lead to structural wood decay, which attracts ants looking for nesting materials. Inspecting your bathroom for damaged wood can help you target the source of the problem.
How to Remove Ants in Your Bathroom
Once you understand why ants are invading your bathroom, it’s time to take action. Below are several effective methods for removing ants and keeping them away from your bathroom.
Borax: A Powerful Ant Killer
Borax is an excellent solution for getting rid of ants. This common household product is deadly to ants as it disrupts their digestive system. You can mix borax with honey, peanut butter, or jelly and place the bait along the ant trails. The ants will carry the mixture back to their colony, eventually killing the queen and eliminating the nest.
Spray and Wipe
A simple yet effective method is using a bleach and water spray to remove ants. Fill a spray bottle with this mixture and apply it directly to areas where you’ve seen ants.
Be cautious when using bleach, and avoid mixing it with other chemicals, such as ant sprays, as the combination can be hazardous. If you prefer a less harsh method, use soapy water to wipe down surfaces and remove ant trails.
Granular Baits
Granular ant baits are a highly effective method for targeting specific species of ants in your bathroom. Exterminators often use granular baits because they remain effective even after getting wet.
These baits attract worker ants, who then take the poison back to their colony, eventually killing the queen and other ants. Apply the bait in small amounts around sink areas or near plumbing where ants are likely to travel.
Essential Oils: A Natural Repellent
If you prefer a natural solution, essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil are excellent ant repellents. Ants are sensitive to strong scents, and these oils disrupt their trails.
Create a mixture of water and essential oil, soak cotton balls in the solution, and place them along ant trails. Alternatively, you can purchase ant-killer sprays made from essential oils to keep your bathroom smelling fresh while also repelling ants.
Bait Stations
Bait stations are another common method to eliminate ants. These plastic discs contain solid ant bait that the ants can feed on. Pharaoh ants and other species that feed on nectar are particularly attracted to sugar-based bait stations. After consuming the bait, the ants bring it back to the colony, where it eventually kills the entire nest.
Fumigation for Severe Infestations
For large-scale infestations, fumigation may be necessary. Aerosol foggers, which contain active ingredients like cypermethrin, can eliminate ants quickly. Be prepared to leave the bathroom for a couple of hours after using these products, and clean up any residual chemicals afterward.
Vacuuming Ants
Vacuuming can be an effective way to remove ants from carpets or bathroom mats. Use a vacuum hose with a crevice tool to suck up ants. Empty the vacuum outside immediately after use to prevent ants from escaping. For extra caution, line the bottom of the vacuum tank with boric acid dust or bleach to kill any ants before they escape.
Bait Gels for Targeted Treatment
For a more precise approach, bait gels are a great option. Apply the gel into cracks, crevices, and along baseboards or pipe entry points where ants are commonly found. Just be sure to use the right type of bait gel based on the species of ants in your home.
Preventing Ants from Returning
Once you’ve eliminated ants from your bathroom, it’s essential to take preventative measures to ensure they don’t return.
Clean Your Bathroom Regularly
A clean bathroom is less attractive to ants. Wipe down sinks, vanities, and floors regularly. Sweep or vacuum your bathroom daily if you notice ants, and give your bathroom a deep clean once a month, focusing on hard-to-reach areas like behind the toilet or in the corners of the shower.
Fix Plumbing Leaks
Repair any plumbing leaks as soon as possible to avoid standing water. This will not only help prevent ants but also avoid structural damage to your bathroom.
Keep the Bathroom Dry
Always wipe down wet surfaces in the bathroom after use, and wash bath mats regularly to prevent moisture buildup. Using a dehumidifier or improving ventilation will also help keep moisture levels low.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Inspect your bathroom for cracks or gaps in tiles, walls, and around plumbing fixtures. Seal any potential entry points to prevent ants from re-entering. Applying new caulk to damaged or worn areas is a quick and effective solution.
Store Personal Care Items Properly
Ensure that all personal care items are tightly sealed, especially those that may attract ants. Avoid leaving food-based products like toothpaste or lotion open on counters.
Professional Help
If your ant infestation persists, it may be time to call in a professional exterminator. Professionals can locate the nest and treat the infestation with stronger methods that may not be available to the public.
How to Remove Ants from Bathroom Drains
If ants are coming from your drain, you can eliminate them with a simple solution of baking soda and white vinegar. Pour the mixture into the drain, let it foam up, and then rinse it down with hot water. This method will clear the drain of ants and organic buildup.
Conclusion
Removing ants from your bathroom requires a combination of targeted treatments and good hygiene practices. By understanding the factors that attract ants to your bathroom and taking preventative measures like cleaning, fixing leaks, and sealing cracks, you can keep ants at bay.
Whether you use natural remedies like essential oils or stronger options like borax and bait stations, following these tips will help you reclaim your bathroom from these unwelcome pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ants In The Bathroom Harmful?
While most household ants are nuisance pests, some species, like carpenter ants, can cause structural damage by tunnelling through the wood. Additionally, ants may contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria.
Can I Use Bleach To Repel Ants?
While bleach may temporarily deter ants due to its strong odour, it’s not a long-term solution for ant control. Moreover, if ingested by pets or humans, bleach can be harmful and may damage surfaces.
How Long Does It Take To Eliminate An Ant Infestation?
The time required to eliminate an ant infestation depends on various factors, including the colony’s size, the ant species involved, and the chosen treatment method. Patience and consistency are key during the eradication process.
Are There Eco-Friendly Ant Control Options?
Several eco-friendly ant control options include diatomaceous earth, boric acid baits, and vinegar solutions. These methods are safe for pets and children and pose minimal environmental impact.
Are There Any Non-Toxic Methods To Eliminate Ants From My Bathroom?
Yes, several non-toxic methods can help eliminate ants from your bathroom. Diatomaceous earth, a natural powder from fossilised algae, can be sprinkled along ant trails and entry points to dehydrate and kill ants. Additionally, sealing cracks and crevices with caulk and keeping surfaces clean and dry can help prevent ant infestations without toxic chemicals.