How to get rid of ants in the kitchen, according to pros |

Ant invasion in the kitchen? Although there are various methods to get rid of ants, it is advisable to learn how the experts deal with this area so that these small, stubborn pests do not become a recurring problem.

Proper kitchen cleaning and mopping up spills as soon as they occur will of course help prevent them, but targeted treatments that combine bait and pesticides are more effective in the long run.

We asked pest controllers how to get rid of ants in the kitchen, and they highlight that trying too many methods at once can actually have negative effects.

How to get rid of ants in the kitchen

Our kitchens are attractive to ants because they are safe and protected from birds and other predators in the outside world, and there is food and water from the tap. Helpfully, there are dozens of species of ants with different biology and behaviors, but by following these steps you can fend them off.

A kitchen with dark blue cabinets next to a built-in range and marble-effect island overlooking a glass-ceilinged living space

(Image credit: Future/Darren Chung)

1. Combine baits and pesticides

Use a dual approach to bait gels at Amazon (opens in new tab)and pesticides to kill the queen and worker ants. Worker ants return the bait to their colony to feed the larvae. The workers and queen then eat the by-products of the larvae contaminated by the bait. Avoid using repellents at this stage as this may prevent the ants from ingesting the bait and pesticide, which could throw them off track.

“Ant baits and gels specifically target the brood queen—the worker ants take that gel to the queen to consume.” If you only target the worker ants, the queen will continue to produce more,” says Anna Mollins, pest control expert at PestFix (opens in new tab).

At Walmart, apply a pesticide at the same time, whether it’s dust or ant spray (opens in new tab) in the areas where you have seen ants and along their tracks. Focus on cracks and crevices, the edges of counters, under the counter, under appliances, and along baseboards. The ants get the pesticide on their feet and antennae, and when they preen they ingest it while carrying the bait back to the colony.

2. Keep an eye on crumbs and spills

Navy blue kitchen with island and bar stools

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Why do ants come into the house? For shelter, water, food and a break when repelling predators. If you look at your kitchen from an ant’s perspective, the need for regular kitchen cleaning becomes clear as it feeds on tiny crumbs and can get into small gaps and crevices, such as the area between the countertop and stove.

Thorough vacuuming and mopping of surfaces is essential to get rid of ants, otherwise they will keep coming back. Make sure no food is left lying around, leftovers are stored in airtight containers, and that spills and crumbs are cleaned up quickly (a hand-held vacuum makes quick cleaning easier). Shawn Varchetti of D-Bug Pest Control (opens in new tab) explains that ants are most attracted to a solid food source. “They like really sweet or fatty food, so the kitchen is a great place for them,” he says.

“You only need tiny amounts of food, like crumbs that have fallen on the floor or under cabinets, to be sucked into your home,” adds Shawn.

3. Fix leaking faucets and plumbing

Stainless steel sink in kitchen with exposed brick wall

(Image credit: Future PLC / Darren Chung)

Fix leaky faucets and get rid of old plumbing under the kitchen sink that might be causing drips to prevent ants from getting inside for a drink. “Water can be as powerful an attraction as food when conditions outside are dry and ants are looking for water,” says Craig Sansig, an entomologist with Viking Pest Control (opens in new tab). So keeping the kitchen sink clean and dry makes it less inviting for these pests.

4. Find the source

This may not be realistic if you live in an apartment. However, if you can, follow the trail of the ants back as far as you can to find out where they came from. This is possibly the most effective action you can take as it gets to the root of the problem. “When a nest can be easily located, control is often easy to achieve,” confirms pest control professional Craig Sansig.

It can also be helpful to know what species of ant you are dealing with. Craig says that some species of ants, such as street ants, are fairly easy to control. Other ant species, such as smell house ants (also called sugar ants) and carpenter ants, pose a far greater challenge. Some species, such as pharaoh ants, can become aggravated if mistreated. Once you know the species, you can look for the right bait to get rid of it.

5. Take pet food elsewhere

pets in the heat

(Image credit: Future)

Ants feed on protein and sugar, making pet food an attractive snack. Move your cat or dog’s bowls to the other side of the kitchen and off the floor at night as long as the ant problem persists. This makes it harder for the ants to find them. Make sure your supply of pet food is kept safe in airtight pet food containers available at Walmart (opens in new tab)and that the bowls and the area around them are kept clean.

6. Try natural repellents

There are all sorts of home remedies, many using strong scents, to trick ants into losing their sense of direction created by pheromone trails. Here are some to try while keeping an eye on kitchen cleanliness:

  1. Clean with lemon juice – spray the juice onto surfaces to break their path or leave dried lemon peels at entry points
  2. Peppermint Essential Oil – Sprinkle onto cotton pads and place at access points, under appliances, and in other small spaces
  3. Display the flowers of the tansy
  4. Use cinnamon – use powder, oil or sticks to deter ants
  5. Sprinkle used coffee grounds on top
  6. Make a mixture of equal parts baking soda and sugar and place it next to baseboards and near entry points
  7. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on top

FAQs

What is the quickest way to get rid of ants in the kitchen?

“The quickest way to get rid of ants in the kitchen isn’t always the best,” says pest control expert Matt Smith of Green Pest Management (opens in new tab). “You could use a kill-on-contact spray that kills what it hits and keeps it from invading, but it won’t do the colony any good.”

“That’s why a lot of people get ants every spring because the root cause of the problem isn’t addressed.” One experience I had was with a couple who thought they had few ants in the spring. They plugged in their toaster and it didn’t work. They checked the toaster and unplugged it, when they did, ants poured out of the socket. “The ants had gotten so bad that they shorted out the outlet.”

Instead, use baits and sprays and look out for products containing the active ingredient fipronil. The product gets on their arms and legs and they take it back to the colony and it spreads like a virus from one ant to another. This process will take a few days, but after a week you should have the problem under control.

“Remember to reapply it to kill anything that may have hatched from the previous application.” “With the better commercial products that our technicians use, it typically only needs to be reapplied every three months,” Matt explains.

MattSmith

Social links navigation

Pest Control Professional

Matt Smith has been in the pest control industry for 14 years. Nine years ago, he founded Green Pest Management, a Delaware-based pest control company. Because of his background and experience, he is knowledgeable about a wide variety of pests, pest activities and ways to control infestations.

Will Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Ants?

Although spraying apple cider vinegar helps get rid of ants by making them lose their sense of detecting pheromone traces, it is commonly said that white vinegar is more effective. Clean kitchen countertops, cabinet door fronts, and around appliances with vinegar to disinfect and repel ants. This is a good option if you don’t want to use chemicals.

Does Cornmeal Kill Ants?

You can try sprinkling cornmeal in areas where you’ve seen ants, because while they’re attracted to it, they can’t digest it. A mixture of baking soda and sugar may have a greater effect, since ants love sugar and the baking soda reacts with stomach acid. However, as mentioned above, cornmeal alone may not be enough. Therefore, consider using bait and pesticides and searching for the ant nest if possible.

Stop the ant conga line for good by applying special ant treatments, remembering that some of the steps are the same as removing cockroaches from the kitchen. So the next time you spot a cockroach, you better be prepared.

You might also like

Comments are closed.