Why Ants Keep Coming Back (And How to Stop Them)
A helpful guide to a lasting ant eradication from the experts at Pestpatrol
Why do ants keep returning to your home, no matter how much you clean?
You wipe down the counters, you spray, you even seal every conceivable entry point in your home – and yet, they are back.
Marching along your kitchen because after all, it is their kitchen.
Sound familiar?
If you live in London, you know that ants are not just creatures limited to the countryside or parks.
From regular flats in Clapham to bustling bakeries in Bermondsey, ants are relentless.
The exterminators at Pestpatrol are dealing with these little intruders day in, day out.
What most people don’t even know is that ant eradication is not simply about killing the ants you see – it’s about working out what is drawing them to your home in the first place.
This guide will give you an overview of exactly why ants keep coming back and what genuinely works to stop them once and for all!
No nonsense, no fairy tale ending, no promises.
Just good reliable advice that the people of London are used to.
Why do Ants keep coming Back?
Ants are not just wandering all over the place in search of fruit and sunshine.
Ants come to your home for an specific reasons, and until those reasons are eliminated, ants will keep returning to your home.
Your Home Feeds Them
Ants can detect sugary or greasy residues from meters away.
It only takes one crumb to create a mega food shortage adventure.
Inspect hotspots:
- Bags of cereal or sugar that haven’t been sealed
- Sticky containers in the recycling bin
- Pet food dishes
- Rubbish bins that have been left overnight
- Spills from juice, squash or alcohol
You’re not breaking the scent trail
Scouting ants secrete invisible pheromone trails that the colony can follow.
The trail remains after you have cleaned.
Entry points are still open
They get in through:
- Window frames
- Electrical sockets
- Gaps under skirting boards
- Cracked sealant
If there is a way in, ants will find it.
The nest is still active
Most sprays will kill visible ants but not the queen.
If the nest survives, the issue will remain or worse it can split and spread.
How to stop ants from coming back for good
Step 1: Eliminate all food sources
- Ensure to wipe down all surfaces after meals
- Store food in sealed containers
- Clean under the toaster, fridge, and cupboards
- Rinse out all recycling and bins each day
- Don’t leave your pet’s food out overnight
No food = no reason to come back.
Step 2: Remove the scent trails
Make a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water (or lemon juice) to remove ant trails.
Ensure you clean:
- Skirting boards
- Door frames
- Countertop edges
You may also use essential oils like peppermint oil or tea tree oil,
but have no lasting effect.
Step 3: Close Off Any Entry Point
Use silicone sealant or caulk to close off gaps and cracks:
- Around pipes and radiators
- Under skirting boards
- In vents and extractor fans
- Window and door seals
Use fine mesh over vents to reduce access.
Step 4: Go After the Nest Where They Live
Use ant bait.
They make it slow-acting for a purpose, they’ll take it back to the colony.
Important: Don’t kill any ants you see while the bait is out, they are taking the poison home.
If the bait doesn’t work for you, or you don’t know where the nest is located,
it’s time to call in Pestpatrol.
Not All Ants Are the Same
The black garden ant is the primary species that creates nuisance problems throughout homes in London, but Pharaoh ants, or Ghost ants can require completely different approaches,
and using the wrong approach can result in colonies splitting.
This is why Pestpatrol always starts with identification.
When we identify the species we can then apply an appropriate solution specifically to your home.
“We helped a café in Soho get rid of a persistent Pharaoh ant problem hidden behind failed kitchen seals. It took less than a week once we identified the species.”
How to Decide When to Call Pestpatrol
If you’ve tried everything and you’re still seeing ants,
or you’re not sure what species they are,
just skip the sprays and guess work.
We are a professional ant control company operating across London;
from Camden coffee shops to Hackney homes, and we provide:
- Industry approved baiting systems and protocols
- Entry-point surveys
- Thermal imaging to find hidden nests
How to Prevent Ants From Returning Long-Term
- Maintain strict kitchen hygiene
- Regularly check and reseal window and door frames
- Be aware ants are spicy and summer when you might notice an uptick in activity
- Apply peppermint oil weekly around every entry point as a deterrent
- Check gardens, patios, and compost bins for nests
Want seasonal checks?
Pestpatrol provides a prevention service for homes and businesses across London.
Summary Thoughts
Ants are smart, accommodating and persistent.
If you see them returning, it’s not your fault, but it is fixable!
So here are the key points:
- Remove every food source
- Remove chemical trails
- Seal off every entry you possibly can
- Bait them to wipe out the colony
Still seeing ants?
Book your free ant inspection with Pestpatrol today,
and beat them to the punch before they take over.