How to Get Rid of Ants in the Kitchen

Ants are usually harmless but when they invade your kitchen, they can be a real nuisance. The sight of a trail of tiny ants moving in and out of your food storage can be quite frustrating. Not only that, but they can also contaminate your food and damage your kitchen. Hence, it is essential to get rid of them as soon as possible. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of ants in the kitchen.

Use Natural Remedies

There are natural remedies that are effective in eliminating ants without the use of harsh chemicals that can be dangerous to kids and pets. One of the most common natural remedies is vinegar. The strong smell of vinegar repels ants and disrupts their communication. You can mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on ant-infested areas to get rid of them.

Baking soda is another natural remedy that can kill ants. They cannot digest baking soda, so when they eat it, it produces gas that causes their stomach to burst. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of powdered sugar and place it in areas where ants frequent.

Cinnamon is not just a spice, it is also an effective ant repellent. The strong smell of cinnamon disrupts their communication, making it difficult for them to track their way back to the nest. Sprinkle cinnamon in areas where ants congregate to deter them.

Lemon is also another effective ant repellent due to its acidic property. Cut a lemon into small pieces and place them in areas where ants are present.

Peppermint oil has a strong scent that repels ants. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and place it in a spray bottle to spray the mixture on the ant-infested areas. You may also apply the oil directly onto surfaces in your kitchen.

Keep the Kitchen Clean

The best way to prevent ants from invading your kitchen is to keep it clean. Dirty dishes, spills, crumbs, and sticky surfaces are an invitation for ants. Make an effort to clean up these messes immediately. Sweep and mop the kitchen floor daily. Store food in airtight containers and remove any damaged or expired food products.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

Sealing cracks and gaps in your kitchen is essential to prevent ants from entering your home. These tiny insects can easily crawl through even the tiniest crevices. Check for any cracks or gaps in your walls, doors, and windows. Use caulk or sealant to seal these gaps and cracks. Don’t forget to check your plumbing and electrical conduits as well as ants can crawl through these easily.

Use Insecticides

If natural remedies and cleaning your kitchen are not enough to remove ants, insecticides can be used but it is essential to use them with care. There are different types of insecticides available in the market, but before using them, read the instruction label carefully to make sure that the insecticide is safe to use in the kitchen. Avoid placing insecticides near food or food storage containers. Always keep insecticides out of reach of kids and pets.

Set Ant Traps

Ant traps are an effective and safe way to get rid of ants in the kitchen. You may order ant traps online or make your own using household products. For homemade traps, mix 3 parts honey and 1 part borax. Place the mixture in a container with a lid, poke some tiny holes on top of the container and place the container where ants usually congregate. The ants will eat the mixture and bring it back to their nest, effectively eliminating the colony. Be sure to place the traps out of reach of kids and pets.

Block off Sources of Ants

To prevent ants from entering your kitchen, it is essential to block their access. Identify their entry points by following the trail of ants and block their access points using natural barriers, such as baking soda, cinnamon, or pepper. Place these natural barriers in areas where ants usually congregate to deter them.

Hire a Professional Exterminator

If the ant infestation is severe and natural remedies and DIY methods are not working, it may be necessary to call in a professional exterminator. Exterminators have access to more potent insecticides and can identify and eliminate the source of the infestation efficiently. It is essential to research on extermination companies to ensure that they are reputable, licensed, and insured.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ants in the kitchen can be an irritating problem. To get rid of them effectively, it is essential to use natural remedies, keep the kitchen clean, seal cracks and gaps in your kitchen, use insecticides carefully, use ant traps, block off sources of entrance for ants, and hire a professional exterminator if the problem persists. By following these methods, you can enjoy an ant-free kitchen in no time.