Seal entry points with caulk

What to Do

Inspect the home's exterior and seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, pipes, utility lines, and the foundation with caulk. Use silicone caulk for wet areas and polyurethane caulk for exterior gaps. Pay special attention to where utility lines and pipes enter the structure.

Why It Works

Ants follow established trails from outdoor colonies into homes through tiny gaps. Sealing these entry points physically blocks access and is one of the most effective long-term prevention strategies. Unlike chemical treatments that wear off, a properly sealed gap remains effective indefinitely.

Tips

• Trim tree branches and shrubs that touch the house — these serve as ant bridges
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and off the ground
• Remove leaf litter and debris from the foundation perimeter
• Combine with baiting for active infestations — exclusion alone won't eliminate ants already inside