Ants in Chimney? 5 Effective Ways to Keep Them Out!

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Have you ever seen ants in your chimney? If so, you’re not alone

Ants are among the most common household pests. They’re also one of the most difficult to get rid of. If you have an ant problem, you know how frustrating it can be to see them marching through your home day after day.

They can infest your fireplace, get into your stored wood and cause problems when you try to light a fire. Fortunately, our guide on solving the ants in chimney problem can help. Read on for some in-depth knowledge on the subject.

Why do ants nest in chimneys?

Ants may nest in your chimney because of several reasons. The most common ones are:

1. They’re looking for food.

Food is one of the main reasons ants invade homes. If your chimney provides easy access to food, they’re more likely to infest it.

2. They’re attracted to the warmth of your home.

Shelter is the second most common reason ants invade homes. In the winter, ants often seek out warm places to nest. Your chimney may be just the place they’re looking for.

3. They’re seeking shelter from bad weather or predators.

In the wild, ants often build their nests in trees. If a storm threatens their nest, they may seek shelter in your chimney.

4. Your chimney provides an easy way for them to get into your home.

When ants are looking for a new place to nest, they often choose an area that provides easy access to food and shelter. If your chimney is the only way into your home, they’re more likely to infest it.

5. There may be another ant colony nesting nearby, and they’ve followed the scent trail.

Lastly, ants often nest in groups. If there’s another ant colony nesting nearby, they may have followed the scent trail into your chimney.

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Are ants nesting in chimneys harmful?

ants by fireplace

There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the ant species in question.

However, when you ignore an ant problem in your chimney, you run the risk of the ants causing the following issues:

Home damage

Some ants are known to damage the woodwork and foundations of homes. If you have an ant problem in your chimney, there is a chance that they could do severe damage to your home if left unchecked.

Fire hazards

When ants build their nests near the fireplace, they could block the chimney flue and cause a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide.

Health risks

Because ants can bite and sting, they can pose a health risk to humans, particularly young children and the elderly. According to research, an ant bite or sting can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

How do I get rid of ants in my fireplace? (short step by step guide)

There are a few things you can do to get rid of ants in your fireplace:

Step 1: Identify the types of ants in your fireplace.

The first step is to identify the types of ants in your fireplace. This will help you determine the best course of action for getting rid of them.

Common ants found in fireplaces include carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and Pharaoh ants.

ants coming in from chimney

Step 2: Remove food sources.

One of the best ways to get rid of ants is to remove food sources. If there is food in your fireplace that the ants are attracted to, they’re more likely to infest it.

ants by fireplace

Step 3: Eliminate moisture.

Ants are attracted to water, so removing it will make your fireplace less inviting to them. Ensure to fix any leaks and keep your fireplace clean and dry.

Step 4: Block entry points.

sealing entry points to prevent ants behind fireplace

Once you’ve removed the food sources and eliminated the moisture, you’ll need to block the entry points to keep the ants from coming back.

You’ll need to inspect your fireplace and identify any cracks or holes that the ants could be using to get in. Once you’ve found the entry points, seal them with caulk or another type of sealant.

Step 5: Use natural remedies to get rid of ants.

There are several natural remedies to get rid of ants in your fireplace. Some of these include:

  • Peppermint oil: Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it around the perimeter of your fireplace. Ants hate the smell of peppermint and will stay away from it.
  • Cinnamon: Sprinkle cinnamon around the fireplace. Like peppermint, ants hate the smell of cinnamon and will stay away from it.
  • White vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray it around the fireplace. The acidic nature of vinegar will repel ants.
natural remedies like white vinegar and peppermint oil to prevent ants in brick chimney

Step 6: Keep your fireplace clean.

Be sure to sweep up any debris and vacuum regularly. You should also have your fireplace inspected and cleaned by a professional every year.

Woman vacuuming removing flying ants in fireplace

How do you stop ants from nesting in chimney and fireplace?

The following are five effective ways to keep ants from your fireplace:

1. Avoid storing firewood on the ground

Storing firewood above the ground to eliminate carpenter ants debris at base of chimney

Ants love the smell of wood, so it’s crucial to keep firewood off the ground and away from your home.

If you must store firewood on the ground, consider placing it on a platform or storage shed.

2. Trim any trees or bushes near your roofline

Trimming tree to avoid flying ants nest in chimney

Trees and bushes that touch your roof provide a direct path for ants to enter your home. Remember, ants can climb, and such vegetation gives them easy access to your attic or second story.

Trimming these plants will help deter ants from nesting in your chimney or fireplace.

3. Inspect and repair your roof for plumbing leaks

Fixing leaking pipes to prevent flying ants nest in chimney

Leaking pipes or fixtures are a common entry point for ants. That’s not all. The moisture from leaks can also damage your chimney, leading to more severe problems down the road.

4. Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps around your fireplace

Once you’ve identified all the potential entry points into your home, use a good quality caulk to seal them up. This will help keep ants out of your fireplace.

To ensure you’ve sealed all the cracks and gaps, have a professional pest control company conduct an inspection. With their expert knowledge, they’ll be able to find and close any potential hiding spots for ants.

5. Routine chimney maintenance

Expert inspection trying to understand why there infestation of tiny ants in my stone fireplace

A well-functioning chimney keeps your home free of smoke and other gases. But a chimney in disrepair can provide an easy entry point for ants.

That’s why it’s crucial to have your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once every year. This will help prevent ants from nesting in your fireplace. Moreover, it’ll keep your family safe from the dangers of a chimney fire.

Conclusion

Ants in your fireplace can be a nuisance. But with a little effort, you can get rid of them for good. The best way to keep ants out of your fireplace is to prevent them from getting in the first place.

Remember, it’s crucial to employ professional help to ensure a complete solution. With the right team on your side, you can keep ants out of your fireplace and enjoy your home worry-free.

FAQs

Will fireplace ash keep ants away?

Wood ashes are an effective ant treatment. Sprinkle a little of the ashes down their anthill and wait. Because the ash is so heavy, ants cannot relocate it from their colony.

What are the tiny ants on my fireplace?

These are called sugar ants, and they are attracted to the sweetness of the wood ashes. While they will not harm your fireplace, they can be a nuisance.

The best way to get rid of them is to sprinkle some wood ash around their anthill. This will discourage them from coming back.

Can ants live in brick walls?

Yes, ants can live in brick walls. They typically build their nests in cracks or crevices in the mortar between bricks. If you have an ant problem in your home, you may need to call an exterminator to get rid of them.

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Thomas Green

Thomas Green

Thomas has worked in the Chimney & Fireplace field for over 12 years. He is an expert in his trade and loves to help People with their needs. Thomas Write helpful articles so that homeowners can make the most informed decisions about their fireplace and chimney.