There’s nothing more frustrating than spotting ants marching through your kitchen or bathroom. But why you should never squash ants in your home might surprise you. Most of us react by stepping on them, but that quick move can actually invite even more ants and turn a small issue into a full-blown infestation.
And here’s the thing — if you see even just one ant, chances are there’s a whole colony somewhere nearby. These pests don’t travel alone, and in the warmer months, they become much more active inside homes across Edmonton.
Here’s why you should never squash ants in your home, and what to do instead.
Why You Should Never Squash Ants in Your Home, And What Happens Then?
Squashing an ant is a quick fix. However, what most homeowners don’t know is that it actually releases a chemical signal — a scent that only other ants can detect.
This chemical, called a pheromone, acts like an emergency alert.
When an ant is crushed, it releases pheromones into the air and onto the surface. This “death scent” alerts the colony: something bad happened here. They don’t just ignore that — they respond.
So, instead of solving your ant problem, you might be inviting more ants to show up at the exact same spot.
Why Do Ants Respond to the Scent?
Ants are social insects with a built-in survival strategy.
When a member of the colony dies, worker ants come to retrieve the body. This helps prevent contamination and disease from spreading through the colony. Ants that die in unsafe areas are often removed and placed in designated “graveyard” zones far away from the nest.
According to Louisa Messenger, a medical entomologist and professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, “They’re essentially sending a distress signal to alert the nearby colony that there’s a perceived threat.”
That means more ants might arrive at:
- Investigate what happened
- Remove the body
- Defend the area
And just like that, you have more ants, not fewer.
Why Ant Problems Get Worse in Summer
In Edmonton, ants are most active during late spring, summer, and early fall. Warmer temperatures signal to ant colonies that it is time to forage more aggressively, especially for food and water.
When they enter your home, they follow scent trails left by scout ants. These trails help them find food sources and return to the colony. If you squash one ant in the middle of this trail, you’ve just disrupted — and intensified — their path.
So, instead of one lone scout, you could end up with a coordinated trail of workers coming in.
What You Should Do Instead of Squashing Ants
If you see ants indoors, don’t panic. Here’s what pest control professionals recommend:
1. Clean the Area Immediately
Use a cleaning solution that breaks down pheromones. Soap and warm water, white vinegar, or a gentle disinfectant will effectively clean the area.
Wipe the area thoroughly — especially where the ant was crushed — to erase scent trails and pheromone markers.
2. Use Vinegar Spray or Essential Oils
Ants rely heavily on scent to find their way. Strong-smelling substances confuse them and can disrupt their navigation.
Try this natural ant repellent:
- 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water
- Spray around door frames, windows, baseboards, and counters.
- Let it air dry — the strong smell will drive ants away.
Other good options include peppermint oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, or cinnamon. Just a few drops diluted in water, stored in a spray bottle, will help repel ants naturally.
3. Seal Off Entry Points
Ants often enter through:
- Cracks in the walls
- Gaps around windows or doors
- Openings around plumbing or electrical wiring
Use caulk to seal small cracks and weatherstripping to close gaps around doors and windows. The fewer ways they can enter, the better your chances of keeping them out.
4. Eliminate Food Sources
Store all food — including dry goods, cereals, pet food, and even baking supplies — in airtight containers.
Make it a habit to:
- Wipe down kitchen counters and floors daily
- Clean up crumbs and spills right away.
- Empty trash bins regularly.
- Rinse out food containers before recycling.
Even a small amount of sugar or grease is enough to bring ants in from outside.
5. Try Coffee Grounds as a Barrier
Don’t toss your used coffee grounds. Instead, place them on a piece of cardboard or paper towel and set them near known ant entry points.
The smell of coffee is overwhelming to ants and may help deter them naturally.
Bonus: Coffee grounds also work against slugs, mosquitoes, and even some garden pests. It’s an eco-friendly solution you’re already brewing every morning.
When to Call an Ant Control Professional
If the ants keep returning — or you’re seeing them in large numbers every day — you might have a nest somewhere in or around your home.
In Edmonton, Pavement ants, Pharaoh ants, and Carpenter ants are some of the most common indoor invaders. Each species behaves differently, and some (like carpenter ants) can damage wood structures over time.
A pest control expert will:
- Identify the ant species
- Find the nest and eliminate it safely.
- Seal off points of entry.
- Provide tips to prevent future infestations.
Why This Matters in Edmonton
Edmonton homeowners often encounter ants during seasonal temperature fluctuations. During the spring and summer, ants enter homes in search of food and shelter, particularly after heavy rainfall, droughts, or heat waves.
Given how quickly ants multiply and how well-organized their colonies are, ignoring them or reacting incorrectly can lead to a serious — and expensive — problem.
FAQ
1. Why are there so many ants in my home during summer?
Ants become more active in warmer months. They’re often drawn indoors by food, moisture, or sudden weather changes, such as rain or heat waves.
2. What should I do if I see ants in my kitchen?
Avoid squashing them. Clean the area with vinegar or soap to remove scent trails, store food properly, and seal cracks. If they continue to return, consider calling a pest control expert.
3. Can squashing ants make the problem worse?
Yes. When crushed, ants release pheromones that attract more ants to the area. This can trigger more activity instead of stopping it.
4. How can I prevent ants from entering my house?
Keep your home clean, seal entry points, and use natural repellents like peppermint oil or coffee grounds—store food in airtight containers.
5. When should I contact a pest control service in Edmonton?
If you notice daily ant activity, long trails, or suspect a hidden nest, it’s time to call a professional. Edmonton specialists can locate and safely eliminate the colony.
Final Thoughts: Step Smarter, Not Harder
If you spot an ant in your house, resist the urge to squash it.
Clean the area. Block the trail. Find the source.
Crushing an ant might feel like a win, but it’s a move that backfires. You could be inviting more ants, damaging your home, and escalating the infestation.
If DIY methods aren’t working, don’t wait. Call Major Pest Control Edmonton for safe, fast, and effective ant removal. We’ll find the root of the problem — and stop ants from coming back.
For additional insights and resources on ant prevention, check out this detailed guide from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).