5 Tips for Getting Ants Out of Your Car

Finding ants crawling around your car can be more than just annoying, it can indicate a bigger ant problem. Whether it’s sugar ants, fire ants, or black ants, these pests invade your car for food crumbs and shelter.

Here are six effective ways to tackle an ant infestation in your car and prevent it from happening again.

Key Takeaways

Food crumbs and spills in your car attract ants, so cleaning thoroughly can help keep them away.
Ant bait and traps are effective because worker ants bring the poison back to the colony to eliminate it.
To prevent ants from returning, entry points and pheromone trails must be addressed with sealing and cleaning.
Professional pest control can locate nests, identify ant species, and use treatments to get rid of infestations.

1. Get Rid of Food Sources

Ants follow scent trails to find food crumbs and sticky spills, so the first step to solving your ant problem is to clean up their snack bar.

Start by vacuuming your car’s interior, focusing on crevices, nooks, and areas under the floor mats. Be sure to toss out any wrappers, cups, or other items that might be feeding the ants.

Then, wipe down surfaces like the dashboard, cup holders, and door panels with a mild cleaner. When you cut off their food supply, ants are much less likely to hang around.

2. Use Ant Bait or Ant Traps

Ant baits and traps are a great way to get rid of an entire ant colony. The worker ants take the bait back to their nest, which eventually poisons the whole colony.

To use this method, place ant bait stations in spots like under the seats or in the trunk, where they’re out of reach of kids and pets. Be careful not to clean or disturb the areas near the bait, as that could interfere with the ants’ activity.

For a natural option, you can also try diatomaceous earth.

3. Disrupt Pheromone Trails

Any type of ant relies on pheromone trails to guide others to food, so wiping those trails clean is key to keeping them out of your car.

Start by using a DIY vinegar-and-water solution to clean hard surfaces where ants have been active.

For extra protection, try applying essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil around entry points. They are natural repellents that ants hate.

You can also spray a vinegar-and-water mix directly on affected areas with a spray bottle to break up the scent trail.

4. Seal Crevices and Entry Points

Ants are sneaky and can slip into your car through the tiniest cracks and gaps, so it’s important to seal off their entry points.

Start by checking the weather stripping around your doors and windows—if it’s damaged, it could be an open invitation for ants. Also, remember your air vents. Covering them, if possible, can help block access.

Lastly, take a good look at your trunk and undercarriage for any gaps where ants might be sneaking in.

5. Reevaluate Your Parking Spot

Where you park plays a significant role in preventing ants from entering your car. Avoid parking near:

Ant hills or heavily wooded areas.
Trash bins or food sources that might attract ants.
Areas with fire ants as they can enter your car and cause painful stings.

Regularly inspect your parking area for signs of ant activity, and consider using deterrents around your parking space.

Is It Time to Call Professional Pest Control Services?

By keeping your car clean, disrupting scent trails, and using the right tools like bait stations or sprays, you can regain control over your vehicle. But if they persist despite your efforts, it might be time to bring in an exterminator.

At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we can identify the species of ants, locate the source of the infestation, and use specialized treatments, such as bait or targeted ant sprays, to solve the issue.