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June 19, 2025
If you’ve noticed a sudden trail of ants marching across your kitchen counter or patio lately, you're not alone. According to a recent News Center Maine report, ant invasions are rising across the state, and Maine homeowners are wondering what’s drawing them indoors.
The short answer? Food, water, and easy access.
In today’s blog post, we’ll break it down, talk about what’s really happening, and more importantly, what you can do to keep ants out of your home this summer.
Why Ants Head Indoors in Summer
Maine’s warm, often humid summer weather provides ants with exactly what they need to thrive outdoors, but it also drives them into homes when conditions outside become too wet, too dry, or when they find an easy source of food or moisture inside.
Ants are always foraging, and once they find a reliable source (like a few crumbs on the counter or a dripping sink), they’ll leave behind a scent trail so others can follow. Before you know it, a few ants can turn into a colony on a mission.
Some of the most common culprits in Maine homes include:
- Carpenter ants
These large ants are often found in damp wood and can cause structural damage. - Odorous house ants
Small and fast-moving, they’re attracted to sweets and can form large colonies. - Pavement ants
Often found nesting under driveways or patios, they make their way indoors when searching for food.
How to Keep Ants Out of Your Maine Home
Here are a few practical steps every homeowner can take to reduce the chance of an infestation now and throughout the summer:
Clean up food and crumbs
Wipe down counters, clean floors regularly, and don’t leave dirty dishes or pet food out overnight.
Seal entry points
Seal cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation. Ants can slip through tiny gaps, especially where utility lines enter your home.
Fix moisture issues
Leaky pipes, damp basements, and clogged gutters create perfect conditions for bugs, carpenter ants in particular.
When DIY Ant Control Doesn’t Cut It
If you’ve tried home remedies and still have ants showing up—or if you’re seeing large black ants inside (a possible sign of carpenter ants nesting indoors)—it’s time to call in the pros.
At Pine State Pest Solutions, we provide targeted carpenter ant control throughout Maine, including one-time treatments and year-round home pest control plans that keep ants and other pests out of your home for good. We know what works against the specific species that show up in places like Casco, Auburn, Lewiston, and beyond, and we’ll help you stop ants at the source.
Don’t Let Ants Ruin Your Summer
Ants may be persistent, but with the right prevention and professional help, your home can stay pest-free all season long. Need help keeping ants out of your Maine home? Contact Pine State Pest Solutions today for a free quote or to schedule an inspection.
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