What To Do If You Spot Ants In Your Bed

Ants are an unwelcome sight anywhere in the home, but there are few places you want to find them less than in your bed. If you've ever dealt with these critters before, you know how crafty they can be in getting into places where they don't belong — even outside the kitchen. Furthermore, if you're dealing with this problem, you're probably not too keen on using pesticides in your bedroom. Thankfully, there are various natural ways to get rid of ants in your sleeping sanctuary — without relying on potentially toxic chemicals.

With this said, the first thing you should do if you find ants in your bed is to wash your sheets and bedding. Next, vacuum the mattress, and the immediate area around your bed. To do this, move your bed away from its spot, especially if it's against a wall, so you can clean all around it. This will also let you inspect the surrounding area better so that you can determine, hopefully, the source of the ants. When you figure out how they're getting into your bedroom, take the steps to eliminate that entry point. For example, if you discover a trail that leads to a crack behind your bed, seal it.

Once you've uncovered and dealt with the source, you can look to different ways of deterring ants from returning, and perhaps changing your habits to ensure ants won't have a reason (e.g., crumbs) to make their way back to your bed again. As noted, there are several natural ways to say goodbye to ants, including diluted citrus oil, borax, and cinnamon.

Many natural bug repellents will work to get rid of ants in your bed. Better still, you likely already have a few of these in your pantry. For example, the aforementioned citrus oil (which contains the compound d-limonene, which can cover up ant scent trails), dish soap, and white vinegar are just a few you can try. Mix one of these ingredients with water in a spray bottle, then apply it to any place you've seen ants in your bed. For the white vinegar, use a ratio of 1:1.

You could also try ant-proofing the room by positioning substances like cinnamon or diatomaceous earth at entry points. Indoor ant baits, including ones you DIY with borax and sugar, can also be set up. Place these in corners, crevices, or under furniture where ants may be entering the room.

Additionally, you can take some steps to prevent ants from returning, like banning food from the bedroom. That said, there's always the possibility that you or your pet are tracking food crumbs into your bedroom from other parts of the house, so be sure to vacuum regularly. Finally, note that some ants are also drawn to moisture. If you live in a particularly damp and humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier in your bedroom. Make your bed and room less attractive to ants.