Ants in your kitchen? It might be more than just an open sugar jar or crumbs on the floor. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve seen time and again how insect infestations can signal a much bigger issue: hidden water damage. That’s right—your unwelcome six-legged guests might be hinting at leaks behind the walls, damp insulation, or a moisture-rich crawlspace. Learn how to get rid of ants
In this article, we’ll break down the connection between ants and water damage, what signs to watch for, how to fix the issue, and when to call in the pros to get rid of ants.
1. Why Ants Invade Homes
Ants are opportunistic. They’ll enter your home looking for:
-
Food: Leftovers, pet food, crumbs, sugary spills
-
Water: Leaky pipes, damp wood, humid basements
-
Shelter: Especially in rainy or cold seasons
They use scent trails and cracks in walls, windows, or baseboards to get in—and once they find a steady supply of water, they bring their colony with them.
2. Moisture: The Hidden Magnet for Ants
Not all ants are created equal—some are especially drawn to moist environments:
-
Carpenter ants: Nest in water-damaged wood, particularly around windows, sinks, or leaky roofs.
-
Pharaoh ants: Thrive in warm, humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
-
Odorous house ants: Set up shop near moisture sources like dishwashers or HVAC units.
If ants keep returning to the same damp zone of your home, it’s a red flag that something behind the scenes is wet.
3. Signs That Water Damage May Be Attracting Ants
If you’re seeing ants and one or more of these apply, call a restoration pro:
-
Warped baseboards or floors
-
Musty smells or moldy odors
-
Peeling or bubbling paint
-
Condensation on windows
-
Visible mold spots
Ants often nest inside insulation, walls, or window frames where moisture is trapped. You may not see the damage right away, but they do—and they’re moving in.
4. Why DIY Ant Control Doesn’t Always Work
Most over-the-counter solutions treat the symptom, not the source. Here’s why ants come back:
-
The nest isn’t destroyed—only the visible ants are.
-
Moisture still exists, attracting new colonies.
-
Sealant isn’t applied at entry points.
Sprays, vinegar, and bait traps are temporary fixes. If the conditions in your home remain ideal for ants, they’ll return—and bring more friends. It’s important to know how to get rid of ants.
5. Moisture Sources You Might Be Overlooking
Here’s where moisture could be hiding:
-
Under sinks – leaky supply lines or P-traps
-
Behind dishwashers or washing machines
-
Inside walls – burst or sweating pipes
-
Crawlspaces – poor ventilation or storm runoff
-
Attics – roof leaks or poor insulation
-
Basements – cracked foundations or sump pump failures
Spring and summer humidity exacerbate the issue. Even a little unnoticed moisture can lead to ant infestations and mold growth.
6. How to Fix the Problem and Keep Ants Out
To stop ants and protect your home:
-
✅ Find and repair leaks – A restoration pro can use thermal imaging to locate moisture behind walls
-
✅ Dehumidify damp spaces – Crawlspaces, basements, and bathrooms benefit from humidity control
-
✅ Seal entry points – Around pipes, baseboards, door thresholds
-
✅ Clear food sources – Keep food sealed and clean surfaces regularly
-
✅ Ventilate – Use exhaust fans and improve airflow in problem rooms
🛠️ Pro Tip: Don’t just dry the area—sanitize it. Hidden moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and structural deterioration over time.
7. When to Call the Experts
If you’ve:
-
Tried sprays and traps and ants keep coming back
-
Noticed warped wood or bubbling paint
-
Suspect leaks but can’t locate them
…then it’s time to call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons.
How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Can Help
We specialize in identifying and repairing the moisture issues that attract ants in the first place. Our services include:
-
Water damage restoration services
-
Structural drying and leak detection
-
Mold remediation
-
Basement and crawlspace moisture control
🟡 Learn more about our Mold Remediation Services »
🟡 Explore Water Damage Restoration »
🟡 Get Help Now – Contact Us »
Don’t Ignore the Signs
If ants are marching through your home, they might be pointing to a hidden leak or moisture issue. Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons at 847-316-9145 to schedule an inspection today. Nationwide, contact your local ServiceMaster Restore Franchise.