Are ants attracted by fruit-scented cleansers?

Question

I have recently been finding a large number ants on my kitchen counter. My apartment is clean, and I've never had any sort of insect problem before. I believe that the apartment below mine is likely to blame, especially since the ants seem to be coming up through the walls.

Anyway. I have been dealing with these ants by dousing them with dish liquid or multi-surface windex, and wiping down the surface attracting the ants.

This strategy has not been at all effective. They continue to return to the same areas that are undoubtedly clean, at this point.

All of my cleansers happen to be lemon or orange-scented. Am I doing more harm than good by cleaning with food-scented soaps? Is there any way that ants' senses are somehow fooled by these synthetic scents, even though humans would certainly never find them appetizing?

Answer 1

ants follow a chemical trail so regardless of how much you clean the surface of your counters and floors, the ants will keep following their buddies to your apartment. The best way to get rid of them is to spray the area around your building or call an exterminator who will spray the building and your apartment. Ask the apartment management what they can do.

Answer 2

I don't think so. I'm sure that they can smell and taste the chemicals in the cleaning solution. Even if there is natural ingredients, they probably would be deterred by the smell of the chemicals. Ants have a good sense of smell.

Answer 3

No, I've never heard of ants being attracted to cleansers. I don't think your neighbor is to blame, Ants live in the soil, and they search for food, and they will go long distances for it. They are finding something to eat somewhere.

Answer 4

nope. ive never had any problems with bugs and scented candles.. in case you burn them outdoors or something at night they could attraction to 3 bugs, merely because of the sunshine. yet i dont think of the fragrance concerns too lots. relax and revel on your candles! :)