Water pipes are usually sealed to prevent leaks, so fire ants cannot enter the house inside the pipes. However, during times of drought you may see fire ants near water faucets in houses, where they are trying to obtain water.
Ants and other pests may enter the house through the gap around pipes where they penetrate the slab or through cracks around fixtures in the foundation of the house. Ants can chew through caulk, so caulking these cracks will not prevent entry. The best approach is to treat fire ant mounds located close to buildings before ants find ways to enter the building.
Related Content
- Pest Management In and Around Structures
- Managing Structure-Invading Ants (PB1629) - University of Tennessee
- How to Manage Pests series, Ants - University of California
- Managing Household Ant Pests - Texas AgriLife Extension
- Managing Pests Around the Home (PB 1303) - University of Tennessee
- How to Pest-proof Your Home (EF 641) - University of Kentucky
- Key to Identifying Common Household Ants - University of California
Find more information about fire ants in eXtension's Imported Fire Ant Resource Area.
