Finding out what they are looking for is a good start. I found them inside my little bear honey container. The top wasn't quit closed and they found their way into the bear's tummy! I think they stayed as long as THEY wanted to and finally left. I tried lots of things too. Those were the bigger black ants. My DH dropped a rice check on the carpet and I noticed black dirt on the carpet... It was a bunch of little tiny ants!! Goodness.. Good luck!