Why are the ants walking around my bait?

The cat food may be a more appealing food source right now, or they may be looking for something different from the sweet bait. Put the cat’s food out at set mealtimes, pick up leftovers, and clean the area. Then try a fresh bait labeled for ants that prefer protein or grease, placing it beside the trail rather than on top of it. Keep all bait inaccessible to your cat and follow the label.

I’d start with the food source, not stronger chemicals. Store the cat food in a sealed container, wipe up crumbs, and don’t leave the bowl down between meals if that works for your cat. If the ants still pass by the bait, try a different bait type. Preferences can vary, so one sweet product not working doesn’t mean every bait will fail.

Since the trail seems to come from a carpet seam in a rental, let the landlord or building manager know if the problem keeps going. They may be able to inspect the entry point or arrange treatment without risking damage to the carpet. Don’t put powders or homemade mixtures where the cat can reach them, and use any pesticide only as its label allows.