What’s Causing Ants in Your Bathroom in Des Moines?

Seeing ants in your bathroom is frustrating, especially when your home is clean. But even clean Des Moines bathrooms can attract ants.

Even without crumbs or spills, moisture and warmth can make Des Moines bathrooms a hotspot for ants.

Knowing what attracts ants is the first step to getting rid of them for good.

Key Takeaways

• Moisture, shelter, and hidden food sources often attract ants to bathrooms.
  
  
• Common Des Moines bathroom invaders include carpenter ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, and sugar ants.
  
  
• Sealing entry points and removing resources can help, but professional pest control offers lasting results.
  
  
• Regular inspections reduce the risk of future infestations.
  
  

Why Ants Are Attracted to Bathrooms

Bathrooms provide ants with three things they need: water, shelter, and sometimes food. Faucet drips, wet bathmats, and standing water near drains attract ants. Some ants also seek out sweet or oily residues from personal care products like toothpaste, lotions, or shampoo. 

Common Ant Species You Might See in Des Moines

Several types of ants can find their way into homes in Iowa, but the most common ones in bathrooms include:

• Carpenter ants: Large black ants that dig through damp or rotting wood. They often nest in water-damaged wood like window frames, trim, or cabinets.
• Odorous house ants: Small brown or black ants that give off a rotten coconut smell when crushed. They often travel in ant trails along baseboards.
  
  
• Pavement ants: Usually found near cracks in concrete or tile, pavement ants can sneak in through gaps in grout or around tubs.
  
  
• Sugar ants: A general term for several small species attracted to sweet substances.
  
  

How Ants Get Inside

Ants sneak in through cracks near windows, baseboards, pipes, or vents. They might follow ant trails from the yard to a leaky pipe or damp area inside. Once inside, worker ants search for water or food and lead the rest of the ant colony to it.

Signs You Have an Ant Problem

You might notice:

• Lines of ants moving to and from a water source
  
  
• Small piles of sawdust (a sign of carpenter ants)
  
  
• Ants emerging from wall voids or under floor trim
  
  

Seeing ants repeatedly likely means you have an active infestation.

The Risks of Ignoring Bathroom Ants

Even though ants seem harmless, they can cause serious issues. Carpenter ants can damage wood and weaken your home’s structure. Odorous house ants and pavement ants can spread bacteria from one area to another, especially if they move between bathrooms and kitchen counters. 

How to Get Rid of Ants in the Bathroom

For minor cases, a few DIY steps may help:

1. Remove their food and water sources – Wipe down sinks and counters, fix leaky faucets, and dry shower areas after use.
   
   
2. Seal entry points – Use caulk around plumbing fixtures, tubs, and window frames.
   
   
3. Clean ant trails – A mix of vinegar and water can help disrupt the scent paths worker ants leave behind.
   
   

But in most cases, DIY methods only offer short-term relief, especially if the nesting site is inside your walls or under flooring.

Preventing Future Infestations

To keep ants from coming back:

• Repair plumbing leaks promptly
  
  
• Use sealed containers for toiletries and cleaning products
  
  
• Keep window frames and baseboards in good condition
  
  
• Schedule regular pest control services for year-round protection

Why Professional Pest Control Works Best

An experienced pest control company can identify the specific ant species, locate hidden nesting sites, and apply targeted treatments for long-term results. 

At Miller Pest & Termite, our exterminators use proven ant control solutions that are safe for your home and effective against Iowa’s toughest ant species.

Have questions? Give us a call. We offer free inspections, so you’ll know exactly what’s going on before we start.

FAQs

What’s the fastest way to get rid of ants in my bathroom?

Cleaning up water sources, sealing cracks, and wiping away ant trails can help, but a professional ant exterminator can eliminate the colony for good.

Can ants cause damage in a bathroom?

Yes. Carpenter ants can weaken water-damaged wood, and other species can spread bacteria between areas of your home.

How do I prevent ants from coming back?

Fix leaks, keep bathroom surfaces dry, seal entry points, and consider year-round pest control services for lasting protection.