Signs of ants in business premises

Why ant infestations are a concern for businesses

In businesses, ants can lead to health risks, damaged goods, and even structural or electrical problems. Some ant species can carry and spread bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus by crawling across food prep areas, containers, or surfaces used by staff or customers.

Other ants, like carpenter ants, don’t just invade; they burrow into wood to build their nests, which can weaken structures. Certain species are also known to get into electrical systems, creating short circuits or damaging sensitive equipment.

An ant infestation can damage a business's reputation. If customers, guests, or clients notice ants in your business, they may assume the space is dirty or not well-maintained. 

Early detection is the best way to avoid costly problems. By learning how to spot the signs of an infestation, you can act before it spreads. 

Learn more about the damages caused by ants and how you can protect your business.

How to tell if you have an ant infestation in your business

Ants are small and quiet, but they often leave behind clear signs of their activity. If you notice any of the following, there’s a good chance ants are already present in or around your building:

Visible ant trails

One of the most obvious signs of an infestation is seeing ants move in a line. Ants use scent trails to guide others from the nest to a food or water source, and these trails are often seen along walls, under counters, across floors, or leading in and out of doors and windows.

Piles of sawdust, mounds, or cracks in concrete

Some ants, like carpenter ants, leave behind small piles of what looks like sawdust as they dig tunnels into wood. This debris, known as frass, is often found under windowsills, along baseboards, or near wooden beams. It’s a clear sign they’re nesting inside the structure.

Outdoor ants might build mounds in soil, mulch, or near cracks in pavement or concrete. These are more than just messy; they often lead straight to an active nest. Cracks in sidewalks or along the edges of buildings can also serve as entry points.

Visible ant nests

While many ants build nests out of sight, some create visible ones in walls, floorboards, or insulation. You might spot small holes or damaged areas where ants are going in and out.

Outdoor nests might look like raised patches of dirt or sand near the foundation, flower beds, or along pathways. Indoors, nests are often hidden, but signs like cracked walls, loose tiles, or soft wood may point to where ants have settled in.

Noises in walls or crevices

In quiet spaces, especially in the evening, you might hear soft rustling or tapping sounds coming from behind walls or inside cupboards. These sounds could be from carpenter ants moving through wooden structures or large colonies shifting and working inside hidden spaces.

While ants are small, in large numbers they can make enough noise to be noticeable. If you hear unexplained sounds near baseboards, behind panels, or in wall cavities, it’s worth checking for pest activity.

Contaminated food

Food packaging that looks chewed, crumbs moved around, or small dark specks left behind can all signal that ants have been helping themselves. In kitchens, break rooms, or vending areas, ants will go for anything sweet, greasy, or moist.

They often get into dry goods stored in cardboard, paper, or loosely sealed containers.

Areas most at risk of ants in your business

Ants seek out areas where they can find an easy food source or can establish their nest. Some of the most common places for ant activity include:

Kitchens & bathrooms

These areas provide ants with water, heat, and access to food. Kitchens often have small spills or crumbs, while bathrooms can have moisture around sinks, drains, or leaking pipes.

Ants are drawn to sweet or greasy smells, and even a few drops of juice, syrup, or cooking oil can attract a colony. Trash cans, under-sink cabinets, and the back of appliances are common hiding spots.

Storage areas

Storerooms, warehouses, and supply closets can attract ants, especially if they hold food products, packaging materials, or cardboard boxes. Ants may nest inside the insulation of walls, beneath shelving, or even inside stacks of items that haven’t been moved for a while.

Storage areas are often quieter, less disturbed parts of a business, which makes them ideal hiding spots for ant colonies that don’t want to be seen.

Entry points

Ants can squeeze in through tiny openings. Check around doors, windows, vents, and areas where pipes or cables enter the building. Even a small crack or gap in the foundation can be enough for ants to get inside.

Areas where bins are stored

Bins, dumpsters, and trash storage areas are major attractants for ants. Leftover food, grease, spills, and liquids in or around garbage cans can draw ants from nearby colonies.

Even if bins are outdoors, ants can build nests nearby and find their way inside the building. Therefore, it's important to ensure trash can lids are sealed and the area is kept clean.

What to do if you see signs of ants in your business

If you’ve spotted any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly. Ants can multiply fast, and a small trail can turn into a larger ant problem in no time. While regular cleaning and maintenance help prevent ants, professional pest control is the most effective way to remove and stop these pests from returning.

At Presto-X, we specialize in commercial pest control. Our ant control technicians inspect your property, identify the type of ants, and treat the infestation.

Frequently asked questions