Remove the food source if ants are trailing to food. With a mild detergent, wipe ant trails after food is removed to erase the trail pheromone. The trail pheromone is a special chemical that foraging ants lay down to guide other foraging ants to food or to a new nesting place. Spray the ants with soapy water from a spray bottle. This will often temporarily halt ant problems if insecticide use is of concern around food or other sensitive areas.
Soap breaks the surface tension of the water, causing the ants to drown.
Check potted plants for ants before bringing the plants indoors. One way to check for ants is to water the soil thoroughly to force ants out of the soil. Physical Exclusion Caulk cracks and crevices in the house. Chemical Apply chemicals judiciously. Precision spot treatments at points of entry into the house such as around window sills and door thresholds may be effective.