Why are there ants in my bathroom?

If you have ants in the bathroom, the pests have likely found something they need there. Water in the sink, tub, or shower can supply water. Toothpaste residue, drips from toiletries, shower mildew, and even dead skin cells or shed hairs can provide food for ants.

Why are ants coming out of my bathroom sink?

Ants don't usually travel through plumbing, but you will often see ants in drains. If ants come out of the drain in your sink, they’re most likely eating debris caught in the plumbing. Even if the water is draining out of the sink, hair, toothpaste, and other waste could be hidden in the drain stem. A leaky faucet can also draw ants because it provides a steady water source.

What attracts ants into homes and bathrooms?

Ants want three main things: shelter, food, and water. Bathrooms in apartments and houses can provide all three. Water can leak from faucets, seep out around toilets, pool on shower floors, and linger along the edges of the sink. As explained above, bathrooms can provide many sources of nourishment for ants.

How to Get Rid of Ants in a Bathroom

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Scientifically reviewed by Daniel Baldwin, BCE, CCFS, CP-FS

-Published on December 2,2023

-Updated on December 2,2023

Ants don’t just make their homes in kitchens or patios—it’s not uncommon to find ants in the bathroom, invading bathtubs, sinks, or showers. Understanding the factors that lead to their presence is essential for eliminating infestations and maintaining a clean, ant-free environment in all parts of your home.

In this guide, we’ll explore why ants in the bathroom appear, identify the types of ants you might encounter, and provide practical tips for how to get rid of ants in the bathroom. Whether you’re dealing with ants around the toilet, your counters, or the sink drain, our expert advice will help you reclaim your space and prevent future infestations.

Why Are There Ants in the Bathroom?

Discovering ants in the bathroom can be frustrating—and a little surprising. Bathrooms may not seem like an obvious place for ants to invade, but these pests are very attracted to the moisture and various food sources. For instance, water from sinks, tubs, and showers gives ants the hydration they need. Residues from toothpaste, soaps, shampoos, and even dead skin cells can serve as food for these tiny and persistent invaders.

Ants are also drawn to the warm, humid environment typical of bathrooms. The combination of heat and moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for certain ant species. Small cracks and gaps around windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical wiring allow ants to enter your bathroom undetected. Once inside, they leave pheromone trails to communicate with other ants, leading to a larger ant infestation in the bathroom.

Identifying Types of Ants in a Bathroom

It’s always best to know what you’re dealing with. Here are some common types of ants found in bathrooms:

Sugar Ants: Also known as odorous house ants, these small brown or black ants are attracted to sweet substances. They give off a strong, rotten coconut smell when crushed.
Carpenter Ants: If you spot big ants in the bathroom, they’re likely carpenter ants. They excavate wood to build their nests, which can cause structural damage. Bathrooms with damp or decaying wood are particularly attractive to carpenter ants.
Smaller Ants: Tiny ants in the bathroom are typically species like pharaoh ants, which are very small and light yellow to red. They prefer warm, humid environments and can spread bacteria.

How to Get Rid of Ants in the Bathroom

Eliminating ants from your bathroom often requires multiple approaches. Here are some of the most common ways to get rid of them:

Deep clean: Thoroughly clean all surfaces to remove residues that attract ants. Pay special attention to sinks, tubs, showers, and countertops. Don’t forget the areas behind toilets and under sinks.
Seal entry points: Inspect your bathroom for cracks, gaps, or openings where ants may enter. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these areas and prevent more ants from coming in.
Fix moisture issues: Repair any leaks from faucets, pipes, or showerheads promptly. Use a dehumidifier or ventilation fan to reduce humidity levels.
Properly store toiletries: Keep toothpaste, lotions, and soaps in sealed containers. Wipe off any spills or residue after use to eliminate food sources for ants.
Call a professional: If you continue to find ants in the bathroom sink, shower, or other areas despite your efforts, it’s time to contact a pest control professional.

How to Prevent Ants in the Bathroom

Discouraging ants from invading your bathroom involves consistent maintenance and some good hygiene practices:

Regular cleaning: Keep your bathroom clean by wiping down surfaces daily and doing a more thorough cleaning weekly.
Keep surfaces dry: After using the sink, tub, or shower, dry the surfaces to reduce moisture that attracts ants.
Proper ventilation: Use exhaust fans to decrease humidity levels in your bathroom.
Secure trash bins: Use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid and empty it regularly to prevent attracting ants.
Inspect and seal: Regularly check for new cracks or gaps where ants could enter and seal them promptly.

Effective, Professional Ant Control Services

Dealing with ants in the shower, sink, or other bathroom areas can be extremely challenging—it’s best to put your ant problem in the hands of professionals. If you find ants in your bathroom, contact Hawx Pest Control for a free estimate. Our technicians use state-of-the-art tools to eliminate ant infestations and provide customized ant prevention tips with a tailored maintenance schedule to help keep them out in the future.