10 Summer Cleaning Mistakes That Invite Ants Indoors

When it’s hot out, ants are desperate for food, water, and shelter—and your home can check all three boxes without you realizing it. A lot of summer cleaning routines overlook the stuff ants care about most.

Even if your house looks clean, certain habits can practically roll out the welcome mat. The good news is that once you know what to watch for, it’s not hard to shut down their trail for good.

Ignoring Sticky Trash Bins

Even if you take the trash out regularly, a sticky or wet bin can still draw ants. The smallest food spills in the bottom or around the lid are more than enough to get their attention.

Take a minute to rinse or wipe out trash cans every week during summer. That includes outdoor bins—especially if you’ve thrown out meat or fruit scraps. Ants have a sharp sense of smell, and even residue can lead them straight inside.

Forgetting to Clean Under Appliances

Crumbs and grease have a way of sliding under your stove or fridge and never being seen again. Those areas stay warm and dark, which makes them ideal for ants to set up shop.

Pull out large appliances and give the floor a quick sweep and wipe-down. You don’t have to deep clean every week, but letting debris build up all season long is asking for trouble. Ants aren’t picky, and they’ll find the tiniest leftovers.

Leaving Pet Food Bowls Out

Pet food—especially the wet kind—can attract ants fast. Even dry food leaves behind crumbs and smells, and water bowls can provide moisture they need in hot weather.

Clean under and around pet dishes daily, and don’t leave uneaten food sitting out all day. Elevating bowls slightly or using an ant-proof tray can help keep the area clear without disrupting your pet’s routine.

Skipping Floor Edges and Corners

It’s easy to vacuum or mop the middle of the room and call it done, but crumbs tend to collect along baseboards and in corners. That’s where ants often start.

Use a hose attachment or broom to get into those tight spots—especially in the kitchen and pantry. Ants follow scent trails, so if one finds a corner full of sugar or chip dust, the rest of the colony won’t be far behind.

Using Too Much Scented Cleaner

Strong citrus, floral, or fruit-scented cleaners might smell clean to you, but some can attract ants—especially if they leave behind a sticky residue. Some natural cleaners even contain sugars like honey or molasses.

Stick to unscented or vinegar-based cleaners for countertops and floors when you’re dealing with ants. These help erase the scent trails ants leave behind and discourage future scouting.

Leaving Damp Sponges or Rags Around

That dish sponge sitting in the sink or the rag tossed on the counter can collect food bits and moisture—two things ants are after. In summer heat, they can go sour fast.

Rinse and wring out sponges after use and let them dry somewhere with airflow. Swap dish rags often and avoid leaving wet ones crumpled on surfaces. It doesn’t take long for ants to catch on.

Cleaning With Sugary Drinks Nearby

Wiping down counters while sipping sweet tea or sports drinks might not seem like a problem, but any spill or drop you don’t catch can start an ant trail before you realize it.

If you’re cleaning the kitchen or pantry, keep drinks in a closed container or out of the room altogether. One sticky fingerprint or bottle ring is all it takes, and you’ll be chasing ants for days.

Not Cleaning Outdoor Entry Points

Door thresholds, windowsills, and the inside of sliding door tracks are easy to overlook during regular cleaning, but they’re prime areas for ants to sneak in. If there’s food or crumbs nearby, even better for them.

Vacuum and wipe down these areas often, especially if they’re close to the kitchen or dining room. You can also run a line of vinegar or an ant deterrent spray along baseboards and entry points as a barrier.

Overloading the Sink With Dishes

A full sink of dirty dishes doesn’t just look messy—it gives ants a buffet of smells, food scraps, and standing water. Let it sit overnight, and you might wake up to a trail.

Try to rinse and stack dishes quickly or at least scrape plates and run the disposal. Don’t leave sugary cups, fruit peels, or soda cans piled up. Summer ants aren’t shy when they’re hungry.

Forgetting the Trash Can Lid

A lid that doesn’t seal tight or one you leave cracked open can let odors escape, even if the bag inside is clean. If ants find their way in once, they’ll keep coming back.

Check that your kitchen trash can seals completely and stays shut when not in use. Wipe the rim and lid every few days to remove residue, and if you use a step-lid style, make sure it’s working right.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.