By Brad Janssen

Key Takeaways

  • Ants are more active in summer, especially in warm, humid environments like Des Moines.
  • Prevention starts outside—seal cracks, trim plants, and keep moisture and debris away from your foundation.
  • Keep your home clean and dry—ants are drawn to food and water sources.
  • Don’t ignore the first few ants—they’re scouts, and they’ll invite the rest if not handled quickly.
  • When in doubt, call Janssen—professional treatment is the fastest way to shut down an infestation for good.

Summer in Des Moines, and across the state of Iowa, brings warm nights, blooming gardens, backyard BBQs—and ants. Lots of ants.

The trails of tiny intruders across your kitchen counter or a surprise infestation in your bathroom, these unwelcome guests always seem to show up right when you’re trying to relax. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to share your summer with them.

At Janssen Pest Solutions, we’ve been protecting Iowa homes for decades, and we know what works. Here are our top 5 practical, proven tips to keep ants out of your home this summer—before they settle in for good.

1. Seal Entry Points Like a Pro

Think of ants like nosy neighbors—they’re always looking for a way in.

Start with a quick inspection around your home’s exterior. Focus on areas where ants love to sneak in:

  • Cracks in the foundation
  • Gaps around windows and doors
  • Where utility lines enter the house

Seal up any gaps with silicone caulk, replace worn-out weather stripping, and don’t forget to check basement windows—they’re a common weak spot.

Pro Tip: If you can see daylight under your door, ants can march right in.

2. Keep Food and Crumbs Locked Down

Ants aren’t just looking for shelter—they’re after a snack. And once one finds food, you can bet they’ll tell all their friends.

Here’s how to make your home less inviting:

  • Store dry goods like cereal, sugar, and pet food in airtight containers.
  • Wipe down counters and sweep floors regularly—especially after meals.
  • Take out the trash frequently and keep bins tightly sealed.

If you’ve got little ones (or teens with midnight snack habits), check under furniture and around beds. Ants don’t care who made the mess—they just want the crumbs.

3. Eliminate Moisture Sources

In the ant world, moisture equals life. That’s why they love your leaky sink, damp basement, or overwatered garden beds.

Stop giving them the hydration station they’re looking for:

  • Fix leaks under sinks and around outdoor spigots.
  • Run a dehumidifier in damp basements or laundry rooms.
  • Keep gutters clear so water flows away from your foundation.

Certain species like carpenter ants are especially drawn to soft, water-damaged wood—so a little leak can lead to a bigger problem.

4. Maintain a Barrier Around Your Home

You wouldn’t leave your front door wide open, right? But that’s essentially what happens when vegetation and debris cozy up to your home.

Here’s how to build a no-ant zone:

  • Keep a 12–18 inch buffer of gravel or dry mulch around your foundation.
  • Trim shrubs and branches so they don’t touch siding or the roof.
  • Store firewood and compost bins away from your exterior walls.

Think of it like a moat for bugs—clear space makes it harder for ants to cross into your castle.

5. Call in the Pros if the Problem Persists

You’ve done the sealing, cleaning, trimming, and drying—and ants are still showing up? Don’t worry. You’re not alone.

Des Moines is home to several persistent ant species, and sometimes DIY solutions aren’t enough. That’s where we come in.

Our technicians know the habits, nesting sites, and behaviors of local ants, and we tailor our approach to your specific situation. Whether it’s strategic baiting, barrier treatments, or a full inspection and prevention plan, we’ll get your home back under control—fast.

Bonus: What To Do If You Spot a Few Ants

See a few scouts crawling around? Act fast before they turn into a full-blown colony:

  • Don’t kill them right away—they can lead you back to the nest.
  • Clean the trail with vinegar or a citrus-based cleaner to erase their scent markers.
  • Set bait traps near their entry point—let them carry it back to the colony.
  • Track and seal wherever they’re getting in.

It’s easier to stop 10 ants than 10,000.

In Closing: Stay One Step Ahead

Ants may be small, but when they invade your space, they can create big headaches. The good news? Most infestations are preventable with a little attention, consistency, and help from your local experts.

At Janssen Pest Solutions, we’re proud to help Des Moines homeowners stay pest-free all year long. If ants are testing your patience this summer, we’re here to help.

Ready to win the ant war? Contact Janssen today for a free inspection—and let’s kick those ants to the curb.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why do ants keep coming into my house every summer?

Ants become more active during the summer due to the heat and increased food-seeking behavior. They’re looking for water, shelter, and food—three things homes often provide in abundance if not properly sealed and maintained.

2. What kind of ants are common in Des Moines homes?

Des Moines commonly sees odorous house ants, pavement ants, and occasionally carpenter ants. Each has different nesting habits and food preferences, which is why accurate identification is important for effective treatment.

3. How can I tell if I have a full infestation or just a few stray ants?

If you’re seeing consistent trails, groups of ants around food, or ants near moisture sources (like sinks or showers), it’s likely more than a few scouts—you’ve got a colony nearby. Regular sightings usually mean they’ve found a food source inside.

4. Are store-bought ant sprays and traps effective?

They can help reduce visible ants temporarily, but they often don’t eliminate the root of the problem: the colony. Many DIY products only kill the ants you see, not the ones hiding in your walls or under your foundation. That’s why professional treatment works better long-term.

5. How fast can Janssen get rid of ants in my home?

Most customers start seeing a major reduction within 24–72 hours after treatment, with long-term results as our targeted solutions take effect. We’ll also recommend prevention tips and schedule follow-ups if needed to make sure they stay gone.