Ants in the Kitchen? It Might Be Hidden Water Damage (Chicago Homeowner’s Guide)
Sam Simon
September 15, 2025Ants don’t just chase crumbs—many species target moisture. In Chicagoland, recurring ants often signal hidden leaks, damp wood, or wet insulation. This guide shows you what to check first, how to dry and sanitize correctly, and when to call the pros.
Why ants invade (and why moisture is the real magnet)
Ants are opportunistic. They follow scent trails to food, water, and shelter—and once they find a steady water source, they’ll keep returning and bring more of the colony.
Species tied to moisture:
- Carpenter ants: Prefer water-damaged wood—around windows, roof leaks, sink bases, or rim joists.
- Pharaoh ants: Thrive in warm, humid kitchens and bathrooms.
- Odorous house ants: Love damp zones near dishwashers and HVAC condensate lines.
If ants reappear in the same damp area, assume a moisture problem until proven otherwise.
Moisture = red flags you shouldn’t ignore
Call a restoration pro if you see any of these where ants are active:
- Warped baseboards, spongy flooring, or soft trim
- Musty (earthy) odors; visible spotting on drywall or caulk
- Peeling/bubbling paint, swollen cabinet panels, or lifted veneer
- Condensation on windows/walls, even when it’s not extremely cold
- Recurring ants under a sink, behind a dishwasher, or along a window frame
Common hidden leak locations (kitchen, bath & beyond)
- Refrigerator ice-maker line and shutoff valve
- Dishwasher supply/air-gap & door gasket
- Sink P-trap and braided supply lines
- Shower/tub valve wall, toilet wax ring
- HVAC condensate line/pan, humidifier pads
- Basement foundation cracks, sump/backup failures
- Attic roof penetrations and flashing
Quick homeowner diagnostics (fast + safe)
- Paper towel test: Place dry towels under suspect lines overnight; check for spotting.
- Hygrometer check: Keep indoor RH ≤ 50–55%; higher indicates hidden moisture.
- Moisture meter: A low-cost pin/pinless meter can confirm what “feels dry” can’t.
- Power safety: If wiring or outlets might be wet, don’t open panels—call a pro.
Fix it right: stop, dry, sanitize, verify
- Fix the source (leak or condensation problem).
- Extract & dry to dry-standard using dehumidifiers/air movers—don’t rely on fans alone.
- Sanitize damp contact surfaces (cabinet bases, drywall faces) after drying.
- Verify with meter readings and stable RH before rebuilding.
When moisture persists, ants keep coming back—sprays are a temporary fix.
Pest control vs. restoration—who goes first?
- If you suspect wet wood/hidden leaks, call restoration first to remove moisture and damaged material.
- Bring pest control in to target the colony and prevent re-nesting after the moisture problem is resolved.
Professional help you can count on
We locate and remove the root cause fast:
- Leak detection & structural drying
- Moisture mapping (meters/IR), targeted demo & containment
- Sanitization & deodorization
- Mold Remediation when growth is present
- Pack-out & Specialty Cleaning for affected contents
Get help now:
Prevention checklist (Chicago homes)
- Keep RH ≤ 50–55% with dehumidifiers (basements/crawlspaces)
- Seal penetrations at pipes, thresholds, and window/door trims
- Replace failing caulk around sinks/tubs; maintain grout
- Service HVAC condensate drains; insulate cold lines to reduce sweating
- Use exhaust fans (cook/bath) to outside, not the attic
Related reading
- Types of Water Damage: Classes & Categories in Chicago
https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/blog/types-of-water-damage-classes-categories-chicago - 5 Hidden Signs of Water Damage Most Homeowners Miss
https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/blog/5-hidden-signs-of-water-damage-most-homeowners-miss - How to Restore Items After They’ve Been Water-Damaged (Chicago Homeowner’s Guide)
https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/blog/how-to-restore-items-after-theyve-been-water-damaged
FAQs: Ants & hidden water damage (Chicago)
Do ants mean I have water damage?
Not always—but repeated activity in the same damp area often signals leaks, sweating pipes, or wet wood that should be checked with a moisture meter.
Carpenter ants vs. termites—how do I tell?
Carpenter ants are larger with elbowed antennae and don’t eat wood—they excavate softened wood, leaving sawdust-like frass. Termites have straight antennae and consume wood.
Will a dehumidifier alone fix ant problems?
It helps—but if a pipe or appliance is leaking, you’ll need repair + structural drying. Lower humidity won’t stop water wicking through wood or drywall.
What indoor humidity attracts ants and mold?
Sustained RH > 60% promotes microbial growth and makes ant hotspots more likely. Target ≤ 50–55% and verify with a hygrometer.
Is bleach enough after a leak?
Bleach can be harsh and isn’t a drying solution. You need extraction, controlled drying, and appropriate sanitizers once materials reach dry-standard.
When should I call ServiceMaster vs. pest control?
Call ServiceMaster if there’s any chance of hidden moisture, wet wood, or mold. Call pest control once the moisture source is eliminated to deal with colonies.
Will insurance cover moisture that drew ants?
Policies commonly cover sudden/accidental leaks, not long-term seepage. Document conditions and repairs; check your policy’s exclusions.
About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
Chicago’s trusted, family-run, IICRC-Certified Firm serving Chicago, the North Shore & Lake County, and Oak Park/River Forest for 40+ years.
- Inc. 5000 (2025) honoree
- Winners: BBB Torch Award, Chicago Star Award, Stevie® Award
- Members: Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
Leaders: Nasutsa Mabwa (CEO), Sam Simon (IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer)
We literally wrote the book: RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset (ISBN 1952779529).
📞 24/7 help: Chicago (773) 376-1110 • North Shore/Lake County (847) 316-9145 • Oak Park/RF (708) 524-0304
Sam Simon
Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.
He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.
Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.
In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.
Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
→ IMDb Profile
Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.
Under the direction of majority owner and President & CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:
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