Does Killing Ants Attract More Ants? (Short Answer)

Yes, with many ant species, it does, but don’t worry, it’s only temporary. 

Why Does Killing Ants Attract More Ants?

This is a result of how ants communicate with each other by releasing pheromones. Here’s what happens after you kill an ant:

• Death Signal: A dead ant releases a pheromone, signaling danger to the colony.
• Colony Response: This leads to increased ant activity in the area as worker ants investigate and eventually remove the dead.
• This temporary increase in ant activity should subside in a few days.

Should You Avoid Killing Ants Because It Will Attract More?

If you’re worried that killing ants will attract more ants, don’t be. While it’s true that it might attract more ants to an area, this is only temporary. It does not reflect an increase in the number of ants in your house – these ants were most likely already in your house.

Learn More About Why Killing Ants Attracts More Ants

This is just a quick overview of the subject. For more in-depth information on why killing ants attracts more ants, check out our full article >> Does Killing Ants Attract More Ants?