Why Are Ants Coming Out Of My Bathroom Sink?
If you have ants coming out of your bathroom sink, you’re obviously going to want to get rid of them right away. Even the highest-quality sinks can leak, which not only will waste water and cost you money over time but will also bring about a whole bunch of other issues. This includes unwanted visits from pests like ants, which is what we’re talking about here.
Ants will find their way into your sink pipes because they are attracted to the food debris and water that is stuck in there. They can also come out of your faucet if there are holes or leaks. Having ants in your pipes is dangerous, so it’s important to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
On top of learning how to get rid of the ants in your bathroom sink, it is important to know how and why they get there, how to prevent them from coming back, and the dangers they can cause in your bathroom. We’re going to talk about all that and more in this article. So, let’s get started.
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Getting Rid of Ants in Your Water Pipes (and Subsequently, Your Bathroom)
Ants are small and crafty, which means they are capable of getting into many difficult spots in search of food. This happens most often during the summer months when water sources are scarcer. While most ant species are harmless to humans, they can still cause issues when they’re in your home.
This is why it is so important to fix it as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are many different ways to fix it, which we are going to go over here.
Locate the Entry Point and Seal It
If you have ants coming out of your faucet, there is most likely a large leak somewhere on it. Ants travel in large groups and follow particular patterns, so you can usually find where they are getting in by following those trails back to the source. At that point, you can seal the leak to stop any more from coming in the drain.
Fix the Plumbing
The best way to keep ants out of your bathroom is to get rid of any stagnant water. More often than not, dripping pipes and leaky faucets cause puddles in your sink, which will draw ants out of the pipes and into your sink. This is why it’s important to resolve any plumbing issues as soon as you can.
Clean the Drains
If you suspect ants are coming from the sink drain, your best bet is to clean them out to eliminate them at the source. For starters, pour about a half cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a half cup of white vinegar. Leave it there for 10 minutes and flush with hot water.
You can also use Drano®, which is one of the best solutions for clogs. Drano® is dangerous when it comes in contact with human skin, so it’s safe to say it’ll tear through ants, too. However, this may only be damage control if the ants themselves aren’t originating from the drain.
Dehumidify the Space
Even if there are no puddles, humidity can still make your bathroom an attractive space for ants. Since your bathroom experiences a lot of moisture, ants will want to stay there after they come out of the drain.
The best way to remove unwanted moisture from your bathroom is routine cleaning and drying. You can also crack a window after showering and install a quality vent system to keep steam from settling on the walls, floors, and ceilings.
Use Insecticide and Ant Baits
There are plenty of products out there made specifically to kill ants, and many can be used for ants in your drains and faucets, too. Whether they are climbing up through your drain or dropping out of your faucet, insecticides and ant bait traps can be loads of help. However, you may want to consult a pest control expert for more details on how to use these effectively.
Call in the Professionals
When all else fails, get in touch with professional exterminators and plumbers to get rid of the ants and figure out how they are getting into your pipes in the first place. If you’re not sure how your sink pipes work and none of your own methods are working, this will be the best way forward. Sometimes issues with the pipes will be far more extensive and too hard to fix by yourself, which is where a professional plumber can help.
Preventing Ants from Getting in Your Drain Again
So, now you’ve gotten rid of the ants in your bathroom sink, but how can you be sure they stay away? The good news is there are a few different things you can do to keep these pests at bay, so you don’t find yourself dealing with the same issue again down the road.
Keep The Area Dry
Since ants crave moisture, it’s logical that they will be attracted to puddles and any other water source in the area. For that reason, you should take extra care to keep spots throughout your bathroom as dry as possible. Most notably, your bathtub, shower, and sink.
Don’t Let Food/Sugary Drinks Stain in the Drain
Ants are attracted to drains mostly because of the things inside them. One of the best ways to keep them out is to keep your drains clear of anything that attracts them. This includes any food particles, juice, or anything else. If you do pour sugary drinks down the drain, be sure to flush them all the way out with hot water.
Plumbing Maintenance
Proper plumbing care is the best way to ensure no ants find their way in. For starters, you’ll be able to make sure there are no holes for them to get in in the first place. This will also ensure clogs don’t form over time even if ants are already beginning to build nests.
Risks of Having Ants in the Pipes
You might think having ants in your pipes is just gross. The truth is it can actually be dangerous for your plumbing system, too. When left to nest for long periods of time, they can damage your pipes by clogging them. It’s true that ants are small, but their nests are not. This is why it is so important to fix the problem as soon as it arises.
Common Types of Ants You Can Find in Your Bathroom
- Acrobat ants typically live in deadwood, but they still need water to survive, which is why they will find their way into your pipes. From there, they’ll infiltrate your home and try to nest in any woodwork throughout your house.
- Argentine ants have multiple queens and breed very quickly, which will make them a big problem in no time. These types of ants are also attracted to wood and concrete for their nests. However, they will use the pipes in your bathroom to travel into your home.
- Carpenter ants can easily make their nests indoors and outdoors, but they need wood. That said, the water and potential food sources in your sink pipes make them an ideal way to get into your home.
- Crazy ants are very adaptive and can thrive in both moist and dry areas. They can build their nests under the house floors, in the walls, and in your pipes once they’re inside.
- Fire ants prefer to live in warm and sunny climates and eat plants. Fire ants are among the most dangerous because they will sting when they feel threatened.
- Ghost ants are white and will usually appear and seemingly disappear in your bathroom. This is an ideal place for them because it provides enough food and water for their nests.
- Moisture ants will make their nests in areas with high humidity, as the name would suggest. These ants are long and yellowish in color. More often than not, they will come in through your faucet or drainage system.Â
Related Questions
What types of bugs are typically found in bathrooms?
There are many different types of bugs that pop up in your bathroom mostly due to the high moisture levels. These include ants, cockroaches, silverfish, spiders, and centipedes.
What are some of the most common issues with bathroom sinks?
There are many problems that can occur in bathroom sinks. Some of the most common include leaky faucets, clogged drain lines, low pressure, and more.
Do You Need Pest Control Services?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Final Thoughts on Ants Coming Out of Your Sink
Quite simply, ants coming out of your bathroom sink is gross. Really having any sort of critters in your pipes is less than ideal. On top of making your space look and feel dirty, ants can cause issues with your plumbing system over time.
Depending on the size of the infestation, you may be able to get rid of them on your own. Otherwise, get in touch with an exterminator and a plumber and have them resolve the issue. Either way, make sure to find a fix as quickly as possible!
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
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