When we think of ants, we think of uninvited picnic guests. So when you find ants in your bathroom (and you know YOU haven’t been eating sandwiches in there), it begs the question: Why do I have ants in my bathroom?
You may pride yourself on your ability to keep your bathroom clean and disinfected, but sometimes, although it’s an important step, that step alone won’t completely avoid an ant problem from forming in your bathroom.
Josh Koenig, Technical Director from Safeway Pest Management says,
"From mid to late summer ants in the bathroom, is a very common problem. Multiple things are happening to cause this very common pest issue.
First, depending on the weather, you could either have too much rain, or like this summer not enough rain. The amount of precipitation either causes the tunnels, and galleries of the ant’s home to collapse from too much moisture, or there is a lack of moisture in the soil needed for all insects to survive. When this happens insects go out looking for locations that are humid enough to sustain life. The majority of insects need about 50% humidity or they will die from dehydration.
Our bathrooms with shower humidity present, the sweating toilets, and water lines give them the moisture needed, which they are currently lacking outside. Now that they found the moisture they realize they have shelter.
The last thing they need is a food source. The drains of showers and sinks often hold sweets, fats, other oils, etc washed off our bodies that they can feed on. Not to mention other insects they can prey on which are also looking for moisture. Last but not least, the seal under the toilet is actually made from beeswax, which often becomes a favorite snack of many ant species seeking shelter in your restroom."
Types of Ants Found in the Bathroom
There are several ant species found in Wisconsin, and a few stand out as the most common found in bathrooms due to the availability of moisture and potential food sources. These are: Carpenter ants, Pharaoh ants and Odorous house ants.
A Few Could Mean Many More
If you see just a few ants scurrying around your bathroom, chances are that there are many more nearby. The main colony nest may be located inside or outside your home, making the bathroom a secondary nest location. There are some preventative measures you can take, but if the issue calls for it, you may need to contact a pest professional for help. You can call our office at 262-679-4422, we are happy to help!
Preventative Measures to Reduce the Chance of an Ant Infestation
Keep tree branches and shrubs trimmed away from your home.
Replace any water-damaged wood within your home.
Caulk and seal cracks and crevices, repair screens on doors and windows.
Keep floors swept and counters clean and dry.
Take the trash out daily.
Replace or repair any plumbing problems that may result in pooling water, such as leaking sink, shower, or bathtub faucets.