Ants have been known to be a nuisance anywhere they are found, even though they benefit the ecosystem. There are more than 12000 ant species that have been known to exist. These tiny creatures are quite strong, considering their bodies do not measure up to even a full centimeter. They live in large colonies and have a queen, like bees, among other insects.
Some effective ways to eliminate ants in bathroom drains are:
- locating and sealing ants’ entry points
- keeping the shower dry
- utilizing ant baits
- dehumidification
- insecticides
These methods are effective for every type of ant that are likely to invade your bathroom drains, such as argentine ants and carpenter ants.
Ants will penetrate the most challenging places, like the drains, just to find food. One would wonder why they would suddenly appear in the bathroom. This happens because they continually search for moisture and food debris.
Effective Ways to Get Rid of Ants in Bathroom Drains
Locate and Seal Ants’ Entry Point
Ants can get into the house through any opening. So you should find out the entry point of these unwanted insects. Start by observing their behavior, and you might trace them back to a nearby garden.
They can crawl through any crevice or hole in the house, especially around the bathroom area. Take time to find all ants’ entry points and seal them with caulk. This will bar them from moving further. Be aware that the bathroom may not be their only entry point.
Keep the Shower Dry
If you have a bathtub, the wood behind it must always stay dry. Whenever there is a leak, it is usually from the bathtub. The water penetrates the wood and makes it dump. As it seeps through, it gets the wood studs wet, creating a dump environment.
This situation attracts the ants, and they will find a way to come through. The warmth of the shower will attract them as well.
Clean up and dry up after taking a shower. Let the shower get dry and allow ventilation through the bathroom. In short, to get rid of these annoying creatures, seal the cracks, and make sure the shower is clean and dry.
Dehumidification
Dehumidification involves getting rid of atmospheric moisture. Ants thrive in moist areas. The steam in the bathroom should not cloud the area because that will attract the ants.
During the process of dehumidification, leakages should be taken care of. A plumber should fix any dripping pipes or water leakages. Ants also like to make a home from the clogs such as human hair and other dirt.
Use of Insecticides
Insecticides work best to clear insect infestation. Companies have researched and perfected chemicals and treatment methods for getting rid of ants.
Acquire an ant insecticide spray to spray on corners carefully and moist areas in the bathroom to prevent them from coming through the drain.
The drain clogs solution products can also be used. Your bathroom should drain with ease. After using chemicals, avoid touching or handling any food before thoroughly cleaning yourself and any surfaces that got in contact with the chemicals. Insecticides could pose a danger to either you or your family.
Ant Baits
Ant baits are one of the most effective methods of eradicating ants from your bathroom drain. The following ant baits have proven to work amazingly:
- Target pests: For indoor and outdoor control of...
- Highly attractive formula promotes ready transfer of the active...
- Powerful, active ingredient knocks out workers, brood and queens
- Approved for use indoors and outdoors, applied in cracks and...
- How does Optigard Ant Bait Gel work? Ants that feed on the gel...
- Metal Ant Killer Bait: Attracts and kills many different species...
- Food Lure Ant Bait: The child-resistant metal bait stations use 4...
- How it Works: Worker ants carry and share the bait with the rest...
- Quick Results: Starts killing worker ants within 24 hours; you...
- Usage: Homeplus Ant Killer AB baits are great for getting rid of...
Home Remedies for Getting Rid of the Ants in the Bathroom Drain
You don’t have to wait for a pest control company because you can use home remedies to get rid of ants. These remedies are known to be effective and have been used for ages.
One of the home-based solutions is utilizing baking soda together with vinegar. Sprinkle the baking soda down the drain and then follow it with an equal quantity of vinegar. Due to the acidity of the vinegar and the strong odor it produces, the bathroom should be well ventilated.
Open all your windows as well as doors if it is necessary. The mixture will form a bubbling reaction that will kill all the ants in the drain. After completing this step, flash the dead ants and rinse the remains of the baking soda with hot water.
The other great remedy is a mixture of soap and water in a spray bottle. This mix kills ants very quickly.
Another ant killer is boiled water. Use your kettle to boil water and pour it into the bathroom drain to kill ants. It’s a fast method that works effectively too.
Can salt be used to eradicate ants? Salt is regarded as a natural killer of insects, including ants. To make salt effective in killing ants, mix it with hot water and pour or spray it on the ants.
How to repel ants with smells? Ants hate strong smells. Thus, cinnamon is among the natural repellants of ants. To achieve effective results, mix cinnamon powder with some essential oil. The mix will produce a strong smell that will keep ants away.
Identify Ant Food Sources
Since ants constantly search for food, keep all your food safe and sealed. The bathroom drain should be free of juice or coffee because these residues attract ants.
Pay attention to the sugary foods and clean up any spills around the bathroom and kitchen. Food handling should be done carefully not to attract insects. If the foods are sealed in airtight containers, ants cannot access them. The best way to prevent ant infestation is by keeping food away from them.
Related: What Do Ants Eat? | Ant Feeding Habits
Vacuuming
Once you identify a trail of ants, deal with it immediately. Borax and diatomaceous earth have been known to eliminate ants when used correctly. So after sprinkling these substances, vacuum any hideouts.
Follow the trails to vacuum all the ants and seal the entry. Once you are done vacuuming, the vacuum cleaner should be cleaned. This will prevent insects attached to the cleaner from returning to the house. Thoroughly clean up the ant trails with soapy water or a vinegar mixture.
Natural Ant Spray
If you face severe ant infestations, you can get rid of them quickly and efficiently by using natural ant sprays. Mix peppermint oil with tree oil and cayenne pepper in a bottle. This mixture in a spray bottle should be used to spray bathroom floor corners and other dump areas surrounding the bathroom.
Once ants get into contact with the bait solution, they die instantly. After this, make sure to clean the bathroom thoroughly and clean the dead ants. The residue should also be washed off to leave the bathroom sparkling clean. Since ants like to move around, you can place these bait traps on their pathways.
The Garbage
Keep a close eye on the garbage. Always remember to seal the garbage bag and regularly clean the trashcan. Not only will this prevent the foul smell, but it also prevents ant infestation. Garbage should be taken out regularly, if possible, daily.
Cleaning your garbage ensures you are not leaving any residues that might attract ants. Clean the area around your garbage dumping point because the leftovers or spills you may fail to see would still attract ants.
Related: How to Get Rid of Ants | Safe and Effective Methods
List of Sources
Integrated Pest Management: Ants, California Childcare Health Program, University of California
When Ants Invade, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center
Know Your Ants, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Tschinkel, W. R., & King, J. R. (2007), Targeted removal of ant colonies in ecological experiments, using hot water, Journal of Insect Science