How to Know if Ants Are in Your Walls
Ants are resourceful pests that can infiltrate even the most secure spaces in your home. While it’s common to see ants scurrying along your countertops or across your floors, it’s not always as obvious when they’ve made their way into your walls. If you suspect that ants might be nesting within your walls, it’s important to look for specific signs that can confirm their presence. Here’s how you can tell if ants are in your walls:
1. Ant Trails on Interior Walls
One of the first signs that ants might be inside your walls is the appearance of ant trails along the interior surfaces of your home. If you notice ants moving along your baseboards, along the edges of your walls, or near electrical outlets, they may be traveling to or from a nest inside the walls. These trails are typically the worker ants foraging for food or water.
What to look for: Ants marching in a line, often following a path along the walls or floorboards, which could lead to hidden nests behind the walls.
2. Hearing Scratching or Movement Sounds
If ants are nesting inside your walls, you may occasionally hear faint scratching or movement sounds. These noises are often made by ants tunneling through the drywall, especially if you have a larger infestation. Carpenter ants, in particular, are known for creating tunnels and galleries within wooden beams, and you might hear them as they scrape and gnaw through the wood.
What to listen for: A faint scratching or rustling sound coming from inside the walls, especially during the night when it’s quieter. It could be more noticeable near structural beams or areas with wooden framing.
3. Visible Holes or Sawdust Near Walls
Ants, particularly carpenter ants, are notorious for nesting in wood and can cause structural damage over time. If you suspect ants are in your walls, look for small holes or openings in the drywall or wood trim. Carpenter ants excavate wood to create nests, and they often leave behind sawdust or wood shavings (called frass), which may accumulate near baseboards, trim, or even near wall cavities.
What to look for: Small holes or visible sawdust at the base of walls, particularly near wooden surfaces. You may also find frass near areas where ants are entering or exiting.
4. Water Damage or Moisture Around Walls
Ants are often attracted to moisture, especially carpenter ants, which prefer damp wood. If you notice water stains, mold, or mildew on the walls, it may be a sign that ants are nesting there. They often target wet or decaying wood, so moisture problems can make your home an inviting location for them.
What to look for: Damp spots or discolored patches on the walls, particularly in areas like basements, bathrooms, or around leaky pipes. These areas could indicate moisture that is attracting ants.
5. Visible Ants Inside Your Home
While ants inside your walls may not be immediately visible, seeing ants emerging from small cracks, outlets, or gaps in your walls can be a strong indication that they are nesting inside. They usually enter and exit through small holes or crevices, and if you observe them consistently appearing from a specific spot, it could point to a colony inside.
What to look for: Ants emerging from cracks, electrical outlets, or small gaps in the wall, particularly in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or along window sills.
6. Ants Around Wooden Structures
If ants are present near wooden furniture or framing, it may indicate that they are nesting within the walls behind or near these structures. Carpenter ants, in particular, will tunnel through wooden beams or framing to establish their nests, and they may be visible in the surrounding area.
What to look for: If ants are frequently appearing around wooden furniture, beams, or trim, it might indicate they are nesting in the walls nearby. Keep an eye on the surrounding wood for signs of damage or infestation.
7. Signs of Nesting in Attic or Crawl Space
If ants are getting into your walls, they may also be in your attic or crawl space. These spaces provide access to the interior of your home and can be ideal nesting grounds for ants. Carpenter ants, in particular, are known for making nests in these less-visible areas.
What to look for: Check for ants in attic spaces, basements, or crawl spaces. If you see ant trails or nests near wooden beams, insulation, or other wooden structures, it could indicate that ants are nesting inside your walls.
8. Ant Pheromone Trails in Unusual Locations
Ants communicate through pheromones, which leave behind a scent trail that other ants follow. If you notice a large number of ants moving through areas that are not near food sources, it may be an indication that the ants are navigating to or from their nest inside the walls. The scent trail can also be detectable by other ants, creating a continuous stream of ants emerging from the walls.
What to look for: A large concentration of ants following a specific path, especially if they are moving away from food sources and heading toward walls or hidden spaces.
9. Sudden Increase in Ant Activity Indoors
If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in ant activity, especially when ants seem to appear out of nowhere, it could be because they are already nesting within your walls. If the weather changes or if there is a disruption in the nest, ants may start to forage for food inside your home, leading to a visible surge in activity.
What to look for: A sudden influx of ants appearing indoors, even in areas where you haven’t seen them before. This could indicate that they’ve been living behind the walls and are now coming out due to a disturbance or seasonal changes.
What to Do if You Suspect Ants in Your Walls
If you suspect that ants have made their home inside your walls, it’s important to take action promptly to avoid structural damage and an escalating infestation. Here’s what you can do:
Locate the Nest: Try to identify the area where ants are entering or exiting the walls. This can help pinpoint the nest’s location.
Seal Entry Points: Seal any cracks, gaps, or holes in the walls where ants might be entering. Ensure windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent further access.
Use Ant Baits or Insecticide: Ant baits or insecticides specifically designed for ants can help target the infestation. Baits are effective because ants carry the poison back to the nest.
Consult a Professional: If the infestation is significant or you’re unable to locate the nest, contact a pest control professional. They have the tools and expertise to eliminate ants inside walls safely and effectively.
