If you’ve started noticing more ants in your house, you’re not alone. As the temperatures rise, homeowners across Minnesota experience a sudden spike in ant activity — especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. This surge isn’t random; it’s a predictable pattern tied to biology, weather, and our summer lifestyles.
Understanding why ants become a problem in June is the first step toward effective ant control. Adam’s Pest Control has been a trusted name in Minnesota homes for over 50 years. Our guaranteed ant control services help you take back your home with proven, professional solutions. In this article, we break down the causes of ant infestations — and more importantly, how to stop them before they take over your home.
Why Ants Invade Homes in June
Biological Factors
Ants are cold-blooded insects, meaning their activity level is regulated by external temperature. As the weather warms, ants become significantly more active. This is also the peak of their breeding season — when colonies expand rapidly and send out foraging workers in search of food and water to support the growing population.
- Warmer ground temperatures accelerate metabolism and colony activity.
- Longer daylight periods stimulate ants to be more active and forage more, as their behavior and the expression of certain genes respond to these light cues.
- More ants on the move means more chances they’ll find cracks and crevices to enter your home.
- Ants follow pheromone trails, so once one ant discovers a food source inside your home, others quickly follow.
Environmental Triggers
Weather plays a huge role in triggering indoor ant invasions. Early summer can bring both heavy rains and dry heat, both of which can displace ant colonies:
- Flooding: When ant nests are saturated with water, colonies may evacuate and migrate indoors for shelter. This is especially common after thunderstorms.
- Drought: On the flip side, prolonged dry spells can drive ants inside in search of moisture. Pavement ants may nest in places where there is water damage or frequent standing water, such as in basements or crawlspaces. Carpenter ants are attracted to moist wood. Bathrooms, kitchens, and leaky pipes become prime targets.
Even a slight change in soil moisture or temperature near your home’s foundation can lead to ants in the house — especially if there are gaps or unsealed entry points.
Food Sources
As outdoor dining, barbecues, and picnics ramp up, so do the crumbs, sugary spills, and food scraps that attract ants. Once ants find an accessible food source near your home, they lay down pheromone trails to lead the rest of the colony there.
- Inside your home, pet food bowls, garbage bins, and pantry items are common hotspots.
- Ants are especially drawn to sugary and greasy substances — making the kitchen a high-risk zone.
- Even a few unwashed dishes or spilled juice can attract a steady stream of ants into your home.
Combined, these factors explain why summer is the perfect storm for ant infestations. The good news? With a combination of vigilance and professional ant exterminator services, you can stop ants before they settle in.
Common Ant Species Active in June
Not all ants are the same. In Minnesota, several ant species become especially active in June and are responsible for the majority of ant control service calls. Knowing which species you’re dealing with can help determine the right treatment strategy and whether you need a professional ant exterminator.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are among the most destructive ants found in Minnesota homes. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood — but they tunnel through it to build nests, which can cause structural damage over time. They are usually large (¼ to ½ inch), black or dark reddish in color, and most active at night.
Where you’ll find them:
- Near moisture-damaged wood, especially in basements, crawlspaces, or near leaky pipes
- In wall voids, attics, or behind baseboards
- Foraging in kitchens, especially at night
- Around garbage cans and garages.
Why they’re a problem in June:
- Warm weather accelerates colony growth
- Peak time for satellite colony expansion
- Increased foraging activity as food demands rise
If you spot large black ants with wings inside your house, especially near windows, you may have a carpenter ant infestation. That’s a signal to call a professional right away.
Odorous House Ants
Named for the blue cheese smell (the chemical name is methyl ketone) they emit when crushed, odorous house ants are a common nuisance species. These small brown or black ants are known for forming long trails and nesting in hidden, hard-to-reach areas.
Where you’ll find them:
- Inside walls, under floors, and near moisture sources
- Along baseboards, countertops, and inside cabinets
- Foraging in kitchens and bathrooms
Why they’re a problem in June:
- Colonies become highly active in warm weather
- Rain often drives them indoors for shelter
- They thrive in homes with even minor food residue
- Seek moisture/water, especially during dry periods.
Pavement Ants
These ants are typically found nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. Though not harmful to humans or structures, they can quickly become an eyesore when they invade kitchens and basements in large numbers.
Where you’ll find them:
- Entering through cracks in foundation walls
- Nesting near patios or concrete slabs
- Clustering in basements or garages
- Near bay and bow windows
Why they’re a problem in June:
- Summer foraging peaks as colonies expand
- Outdoor nests near homes provide easy access inside
- Nighttime activity makes them hard to detect early
- Seeking moisture
Each of these species requires a slightly different approach to effective ant control. Misidentifying the species can lead to failed DIY efforts — and larger infestations down the line. That’s why professional identification and treatment from a licensed ant exterminator is often the fastest and most effective solution.
How to Prevent Ant Infestations in Summer
Preventing a summer ant infestation begins with understanding how ants gain access to your home and what attracts them in the first place. While professional ant control services are often the most effective solution, there are several proactive steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of ants in the house during the summer months.
Seal Entry Points
Ants are tiny and resourceful — even the smallest crack can become a major entryway.
- Inspect the foundation of your home for gaps, cracks, or holes, especially near utility lines, siding, and vents.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.
- Replace worn-out door sweeps and install screens on vents and weep holes.
Tip: Focus on the kitchen, bathroom, and basement — ants tend to target these moisture-rich areas first.
Maintain a Clean, Crumb-Free Environment
Ants are always on the hunt for food. Keeping your home clean — especially in key areas like the kitchen — is one of the most effective deterrents.
- Wipe down countertops and sweep floors daily.
- Clean up spills promptly, especially sugary substances and grease.
- Store all food (including pet food) in sealed, airtight containers.
- Empty trash cans regularly and clean them inside and out.
Even a few crumbs behind the toaster or a sticky spot under the fridge can attract a steady ant trail.
Eliminate Moisture Sources
Many ants are just as drawn to water as they are to food. In summer, dry outdoor conditions can send them inside looking for moisture.
- Repair leaky faucets, pipes, and air conditioning units.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.
- Ensure gutters and downspouts divert water away from the foundation.
- Check under sinks and appliances for condensation or slow leaks.
Dry conditions inside your home make it less appealing to thirsty ant colonies.
Tidy Up the Yard and Exterior
Outdoor maintenance is a crucial — and often overlooked — component of ant prevention. Ant colonies often begin outside and eventually move indoors.
- Trim shrubs, trees, and grass away from the foundation.
- Keep mulch, firewood, and debris at least 2 feet from your home.
- Remove dead wood and stumps that could harbor carpenter ants.
- Clean up crumbs and spills from patios, decks, and outdoor dining areas.
- Eliminate or reduce clutter
Bonus: These steps can also deter other summer pests like spiders, wasps, and rodents.
By addressing entry points, food and water sources, and outdoor nesting areas, you can significantly reduce your chances of seeing ants in the house this summer. For persistent problems or high-risk homes, it’s time to bring in a professional.
When to Call Professional Pest Control
DIY prevention can go a long way, but some ant problems require expert help. If you’re seeing repeated trails, large swarms, or winged ants inside your home — especially near windows or baseboards — it’s time to consult a professional ant exterminator.
Signs You Need Professional Ant Control:
- You’ve tried DIY solutions and the ants keep coming back.
Recurring infestations often indicate a larger colony hidden behind walls or under the foundation. (Some DIY ant control products repel ants rather than eliminate them, potentially driving them deeper into wall voids or other hard-to-reach areas, making effective treatment more difficult.) - You see carpenter ants or winged ants indoors.
This could signal a structural threat or a breeding colony inside your home — both require urgent attention. - You can’t locate the nest.
Ant trails may seem random, but a professional can trace them to the source and eliminate the colony. - Multiple species are present.
Different ants require different treatments. A professional can correctly identify the species and apply the most effective solution. - Ants are spreading to new areas of the home.
If ants appear in multiple rooms, especially upstairs or in hidden areas, the infestation is likely growing in scale.
Professional pest control technicians are trained to assess your home, identify the species, and implement a targeted plan that eliminates ants and keeps them from returning — often with less pesticide and disruption than DIY methods.
Don’t wait for ants to take over your home this summer.
Whether you’re seeing trails in the kitchen or swarms in the basement, Adam’s Pest Control offers fast, guaranteed ant control services tailored to your home and your schedule.
👉 Schedule your professional ant inspection today.
FAQs About Summer Ant Control
Are your ant control services safe for kids and pets?
Adam’s licensed professionals use targeted treatments that follow all applicable laws and label directions for pesticide use. We’re trained to minimize exposure and apply only the amount necessary to control the ants. In contrast, DIY treatments often result in overapplication, which can increase risk. By using proven methods and applying them responsibly, Adam’s protects your home while reducing potential hazards to your family, pets, and the environment.
When should I call a professional ant exterminator?
If DIY treatments fail, or you see carpenter ants, winged ants, or repeated infestations, it’s time to call a licensed ant control expert like Adam’s Pest Control.
How can I prevent ants from invading my home?
Seal entry points, keep your home clean, fix moisture issues, and maintain your yard. Professional pest control ensures long-term protection.
What causes ants to come into my house during summer?
Warm weather, food availability, and changes in moisture levels all drive ants indoors in search of food and water — especially after heavy rain or drought.
