What’s Attracting Ants to Your Home (It’s Not Just Sugar)

If you’ve ever walked into the kitchen and found a line of ants marching toward your sink, you’ve probably asked the obvious question: “Why are they here?”

Most people assume the answer is sugar—and while that’s part of the story, it’s far from the whole picture. The truth is, what attracts ants is often far more subtle and surprising.

Understanding what’s drawing them in is the first step to getting them out—and keeping them out for good.

Pest control is about protecting you and your family, not replacing one risk for another.

1. It’s Not Just Sugar: What Attracts Ants Indoors

Ants are foragers, and sugar is just one of many substances they’re after. Depending on the species, they may be drawn to:

• Grease and protein (e.g., meat scraps, pet food)

• Standing water or condensation

• Overripe fruit or spilled juice

• Trash bins that aren’t tightly sealed

• Crumbs between stove cracks or under appliances

Some ants, like sugar ants (odorous house ants), prefer sweets. Others, like pavement or fire ants, are more drawn to proteins and fats.

Pro-Tip: If you’re only cleaning sugar spills but ignoring greasy pans or pet bowls, you might be feeding them without realizing it.

2. Moisture: The Other Major Magnet

Ants need water to survive—and in the hot, dry climate of San Antonio, homes become an oasis. That’s why you’ll often find ants:

• Under sinks and around leaky pipes

• Near A/C drip lines or refrigerator condensation

• Inside bathrooms or laundry rooms

• Around potted plants with moist soil

Fixing leaks and wiping up standing water is just as important as eliminating food sources.

3. Exterior Landscaping That Encourages Ant Activity

If ants are getting in, they probably didn’t appear out of nowhere—they were invited by your yard. Things like:

• Mulch beds pushed up against the foundation

• Tree branches touching the roof

• Untrimmed shrubs near windows

• Overflowing gutters or standing puddles

…create perfect nesting and access points. Keep vegetation trimmed back and consider using stone or gravel around the foundation instead of mulch.

4. Tiny Entry Points That Go Unnoticed

Ants don’t need much room to get in. They’ll squeeze through:

• Cracks in the foundation

• Gaps around windows and doors

• Unsealed utility openings

• Dryer vents or weep holes

Pro-Tip: A full exterior inspection can reveal the high-traffic entry points ants are using—even ones you’ve walked past a hundred times.

5. Old Trails and Residual Scents

Once ants find a food source, they leave behind a chemical trail for others to follow. Even if you clean up the original spill, that trail can stay active for days or weeks.

That’s why ants often keep coming back to the same place—even after you’ve cleaned.

Use a mixture of vinegar and water to wipe away those trails, and consider a professional treatment to disrupt their behavior completely.

Stopping Ants Starts With Knowing What They’re After

Most homeowners don’t realize they’re creating the perfect environment for ants. Whether it’s food, moisture, shelter, or access—you can’t fix the problem until you know what’s drawing them in.

At Elevate Pest Control, our ant service includes:

• Full inspection to identify attractants and entry points

• Interior and exterior treatments tailored to the species

• Follow-up support and a satisfaction guarantee

Don’t Let Ants Settle In

If you’re wondering what attracts ants, chances are you’re already seeing signs. Instead of chasing trails with sprays that only kill the workers, let us help you stop the colony at the source.

Schedule your ant treatment with Elevate today—and take your home back.