Why Are There Ants in My House and Other Questions: Your Guide to Kerr Lake Ant Control

Posted by Mosquito Squad

March 20, 2025

Have you noticed lines of ants all marching in a line through your kitchen to contaminate your food and give you a headache? Mosquito Squad of Kerr Lake can help!

Why are there ants in my house?

Understanding why ants find your home so attractive is the first step toward keeping these unwanted guests outdoors where they belong!

Ants typically invade homes during more unstable weather conditions, during which they’ll seek shelter away from scorching summers or frigid winters. Your cozy indoor environment offers the stability these tiny invaders crave!

That’s partly because your home provides everything ants need to thrive. They're drawn to water sources like pet bowls and leaky pipes, while crumbs and unsealed food containers become their personal buffet. Between cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, or even through openings for utility line connections, it’s easy for them to squeeze their way indoors.

When they’re looking for a new place to call home, an ant colony may send out a scout or two. If your home is deemed the perfect new home, the scout leaves chemical trails (pheromones) for its colony members to follow. This efficient communication system quickly transforms a few wandering ants into a full-blown infestation.

What kind of ants invade homes near Kerr Lake?

There are over 700 species of ants found throughout the United States, and only about 200 of those live in Virginia – and only a small fraction of those are common household pests. If you’re dealing with ants in your home, they’re most likely one of the species listed below.

Odorous house ants: When crushed, they will emit a rotten coconut-esque odor. Sweet and greasy foods are what they’re after, so they’re found most frequently in kitchens or dining areas.
Pavement ants: They tend to dwell in the soil found in cracks between pavement and prefer to forage outdoors during warm weather. However, cold weather may send them indoors in search of food.
Red imported fire ants: If you have large, brown, sandy mounds dotting your yard, be on alert. These ants deliver a painful sting and are known to be quite aggressive.
Carpenter ants: This particularly large species is problematic because of the damage their excavations can do to wooden structures.

How can I avoid ant infestations?

If you live in Kerr Lake, ant control should begin with precautions that will help to keep ants out of your home.

Seal entry points: Potential entry points should be sealed to the best of your ability, including cracks in the foundation. This could include mending screens, sealing the places where utilities are connected to your home, and adding weather stripping to doors.
Keep it neat: Cleanliness is key, especially in the kitchen or dining areas. Crumbs and spills should be taken care of promptly, and food should be stored in airtight containers.
Empty trash and pet bowls: Avoid leaving out water or letting your trash cans get too full – these are huge attractants for ants.
Minimize moisture: Leaky pipes should be fixed promptly, and you may want to consider dehumidifiers for excess moisture.

What should I do if I need Kerr Lake ant control?

Sometimes, even the best-laid plans go awry. When that happens, turn to Mosquito Squad for effective and reliable Kerr Lake ant control solutions. Our technicians will assess your home to determine the best course of action to minimize the ants and keep them from returning. We’ll target key areas where ants congregate and cut off their entry points before we treat your property with proven ant control solutions like broadcast granules and a mound drench to take out the colony.