It might seem like the easiest solution-see an ant, squish it. But doing this actually makes your ant problem worse! Ants don’t randomly wander into your home. They are scout ants sent from a colony to find food, water, and shelter. Once they find something useful, they leave a pheromone trail-like a chemical GPS-for the others to follow.

When you crush an ant, it releases distress pheromones that act like an alert. This signal tells the colony that something happened here-and more ants rush in, not stay away. Instead of stopping the invasion, you're inviting more ants to the same spot!

Squishing only targets the surface issue. The real problem-the queen and nest-remains untouched. Ants just send new scouts to replace the ones you killed.

 Smart Solutions:

• Seal entry points: Use caulk around doors, windows, and cracks.

• Remove attractions: Clean up food and water spills.

• Try natural deterrents: Vinegar, citrus, or cinnamon work well.

Instead of killing, manage the conditions inviting them!