Homeowner Guide on Getting Rid of Ants in Your Kitchen

Ants are one of the most common household pests—especially in kitchens. These tiny insects can invade your space quickly, contaminate your food, and be difficult to eliminate without the right ant control strategy. If you're dealing with an ant infestation, here’s your complete guide to removing ants from the kitchen and keeping them out for good.

• Identify the Ant Species
• Keep Your Kitchen Clean
• Seal Entry Points
• Use Ant Baits
• Try Natural Remedies

What Are The Risks of Having Ants in Your Kitchen?

The environment can be quite welcoming to insects like ants. With them being active most of the year, chances of an infestation occurring can increase, and a kitchen is one likely area to watch out for. Having ants in your kitchen may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can pose some risks that should not be ignored. Here are some of the risks of having ants in your kitchen:

• Contamination of food: Ants can contaminate your food with their saliva, feces, and body parts. This can lead to foodborne illnesses such as salmonella and E. coli, which can cause serious health problems.
• Allergies: Some people may be allergic to ant bites, which can cause an allergic reaction. Ants can also trigger asthma attacks in some individuals.
• Structural damage: Some species of ants can cause structural damage to your home by tunneling through wood and other materials. Carpenter ants, for example, can cause significant damage to the wooden structures of your home.
• Attracting other pests: Ants can attract other pests such as cockroaches and spiders, which can also pose health risks and cause structural damage.
• Decreased food quality: Ants can decrease the quality of your food by leaving pheromone trails that attract more ants, which can lead to an even larger infestation.

Eliminating Ants From Your Kitchen

Getting rid of this pesky insect is not always easy, so Dandi Guaranty has created a list of preventative actions you can try to eliminate any ant infestation in your kitchen: 

Identify the Ant Species

Before you can effectively eliminate ants, it’s important to know which species you're dealing with. Different types of ants have different nesting habits and food preferences, so correct identification is key to successful ant pest control. If you’re unsure, a professional pest control technician can help identify them.

Types of Ants

In the U.S., several ant species commonly invade kitchens and homes. Here's how to recognize them:

• Argentine Ants: Small, brownish-black, and attracted to sweet and greasy foods. Known for large colonies.
• Carpenter Ants: Large and black; they tunnel through wood and can cause structural damage.
• Odorous House Ants: Dark brown and emit a musty smell when crushed. Often seen around sweet foods.
• Pavement Ants: Small, black ants that often nest under sidewalks and foundations but enter homes for food.
• Red Imported Fire Ants: Reddish-brown, aggressive, and capable of painful stings.
• Texas Leafcutting Ants: Large and reddish-brown. These ants are less common in homes but are a concern in rural areas.

Knowing what type of ant you have will help guide your treatment plan, whether you opt for DIY methods or professional ant extermination.

Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Ants are attracted to food, so the best way to keep them out of your kitchen is to keep it clean. Be sure to wipe down counters, sweep floors, and clean up spills as soon as possible. Store food in airtight containers and keep your kitchen free of crumbs and debris. Pull out appliances in your kitchen to clean behind them as this is a common place where infestations can occur. 

Seal Entry Points

Ants can enter your home through even the tiniest cracks and gaps. Seal any entry points you find in your kitchen, such as around windows, doors, and pipes. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps, and install door sweeps if necessary.

Use Ant Baits

Ant baits are a great way to eliminate ants in your kitchen. These baits contain a slow-acting poison that the ants will carry back to their nest, killing the entire colony. Place ant baits in areas where you've seen ant activity, but be sure to keep them away from children and pets.

Try Natural Remedies

If you prefer to use natural remedies, there are several options available. For at-home ant control, you can sprinkle cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or coffee grounds around entry points to deter ants. You can also make a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar and spray it around areas where ants are entering your home.

Having Ant Infestation Issues? Call a Pest Control Professional

If you've tried the above methods and still can't get rid of the ants in your kitchen, it may be time to call our exterminators. These professionals have the knowledge and tools necessary to eliminate even the most stubborn ant infestations. Dandi Guaranty has been servicing the local community for over 66 years. Our experts offer same-day services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can be confident when working with our exterminators for ant control.