A closeup of an ant in Kings Park West in Fairfax County VA

So where do ants like to make their nest in your home? First, they start by finding a place that is deeply hidden and out-of-the-way. However, they also like a home that is near a water source. As a result, you're likely to find them crawling through the tiles by your sink or a bathtub. In that way, they don't have to travel far to get a source of water.

However, you're more likely to find ants living near your kitchen sink than your bathtub. Why? They also prefer to live close to a food source. And where is your food primarily located? The kitchen, of course. They are more than capable of searching out a food source in your home, pitching their tent there, and then chowing down on your food for the foreseeable future.

Is that safe? No! Ants don't carry a lot of disease, but bacteria and fungus may cling to their bodies and end up deposited in your food. Eating those can result in suffering from baffling and serious health problems. The worst part is that you're not even likely to notice the small holes that ants utilize to get into your food. Often, they may not even have to chew anything to get inside. To avoid the health risks associated with ants getting into your food, it's important to take proactive measures to keep them out of your kitchen and pantry. This can include properly sealing food containers, cleaning up spills and crumbs promptly, and using ant deterrents such as vinegar or citrus oils. Understanding the biting habits of Virginia ants can also help you identify potential entry points and take appropriate action to keep them at bay. By being proactive and diligent, you can keep your food safe from contamination by ants and prevent potential health issues.

As a result, you simply can't mess around with ants. And you can't expect DIY ant traps to do much good, either. You have to let professionals do the hard work for you. They'll find the ants, create a control solution, and get them out of your house for good. Preventing ant infestations is also crucial in keeping your home ant-free. This may include keeping food tightly sealed, fixing any plumbing leaks, and sealing up any cracks and crevices where ants may enter. By taking these preventive measures and enlisting the help of professionals, you can ensure that your home stays ant-free for the long term.