How Do Ants Get Into My Bathroom?

Serving Broward County and Palm Beach County

It’s definitely off-putting to spot ants in a place that’s meant to be clean. But bathrooms offer everything ants need: water, warmth, and plenty of cozy crevices to hide in. They can sneak in via pipes and drains, or crawl in through nearly invisible cracks in the wall or floor.

So what draws ants to this part of the house? Moisture is the main reason. Bathrooms are humid and full of water sources that ants rely on. They might also be searching for food crumbs or just a quiet place to build a colony. Store-bought sprays and traps can give you a short break from the problem, but they don’t address the root of the infestation. And as long as there’s moisture, ants will keep coming back.

Let’s break down how ants wind up in the bathroom, so you can learn the steps to stop them.

Where Are Ants Getting In?

Ants are always hunting for damp, dark places with easy access to water and food. Bathrooms in Florida homes provide the perfect setting, especially with the high humidity and lingering water from showers and sinks.

Here are a couple of the most common ways ants get inside:

Openings and Cracks

You might not see the gaps ants crawl through, but they’re there. These insects are so small they can enter through hairline cracks in tile, flooring, or walls. Sealing up these cracks is one of the best ways to keep them out.

Sink and Shower Drains

If ants are coming up through the sink or shower, it might point to plumbing issues. Dripping pipes or standing water draws them in fast. Covering drains and occasionally flushing them with boiling water might help short-term, but bigger problems will need a professional fix.

How Should You Eliminate Ants in the Bathroom?

Bathroom surfaces collect all kinds of stuff ants love to eat, like toothpaste residue, skin cells, and spilled liquids. Cleaning regularly is the first line of defense against these pests.

Some DIY ant control methods that might help include:

• Ant traps
• Insecticides
• White vinegar
• Boric acid
• Borax
• Orange or cucumber peel
• Cayenne pepper
• Coffee grounds
• Essential oils
  

These remedies may help for minor issues, but large infestations typically require more than just a few household fixes. Ant colonies grow fast and can quickly take over.

To keep ants away, dry out your bathroom as much as possible. Run an exhaust fan, use a dehumidifier, and always clean up water right away. Toss bathroom trash frequently, fix any leaking pipes, and unclog drains to eliminate moisture buildup. If ants continue to pester you, no matter the attempted solution, professional ant control is likely necessary.

Identifying Bathroom Ants

The ants you’re seeing in the bathroom are likely “moisture ants.” In Florida, the red hazelnut carpenter ant (Camponotus castaneus) is a common culprit. These ants thrive in wet, humid environments, making bathrooms their ideal hangout spot.

If you’re unsure which species you’re dealing with, or how to completely get rid of them, it’s time to call in the pros.

Petri Pest Control’s Solution to Bathroom Ants

At Petri Pest Control, we’ll get to the bottom of your bathroom ant problem. We identify how and where ants are sneaking in, eliminate the current infestation, and block them from coming back. Our treatments are targeted and effective, and we’ll help uncover any hidden problems like plumbing leaks or entry points you may have missed.

Stop letting ants take over your bathroom. Get in touch with us today for a free estimate, just give us a call or fill out our contact form.