Why Ants Invade Kitchens
Ants usually end up in kitchens because they’re looking for food. They’re natural foragers, constantly hunting for something to bring back to their colony. Once a few scout ants find a food source inside, they leave a scent trail for others to follow. Before you know it, you’re dealing with a steady trail of ants marching through your kitchen.
But food isn’t the only thing that brings ants indoors. Outdoor conditions can also drive them in. After heavy rain, flooding can force ants to abandon their nests. Extreme heat or dry weather may do the same. Inside your home, they can often find shelter—and more importantly, moisture—to help them survive.
DIY Ant Prevention Tips
To keep ants out of your kitchen, you’ll want to make your home less attractive to them. Here are some effective DIY strategies you can start today:
Keep Your Kitchen Clean
If ants find their way inside but discover nothing to eat, they will likely move on. Staying on top of kitchen cleanliness is key. Try the following:
- Wipe down counters and tables after meals
- Wash dishes promptly
- Store food in sealed containers
- Sweep and vacuum regularly
- Clean pantry and cabinet shelves regularly
- Take out the trash often
Eliminate Water
Ants need water to survive. They're less likely to stick around if they can’t find water inside. With that in mind, we recommend:
- Fixing plumbing issues, including leaky faucets, pipes, and appliances
- Drying out sinks and countertops after each use
- Keeping pet water bowls off the floor when not in use
- Running dehumidifiers
Seal Entry Points
Stopping ants from getting inside in the first place is a significant part of prevention. You should:
- Seal gaps around doors and windows
- Install door sweeps
- Caulk along baseboards
- Repair cracks in your foundation
- Close off gaps around plumbing and utility lines
- Replace missing shingles and fix other openings along the roofline
What Not To Do
When you spot ants in your kitchen, it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands. However, not all DIY ant control methods are helpful. Some can actually make things worse. Here's what to avoid:
- Squashing ants: Although trying to get rid of the ants you find in your kitchen is tempting, it won’t solve the problem and can hinder other control methods from working correctly.
- Using store-bought sprays: These usually only kill the ants you can see; they won’t address the rest of the colony. What’s more, they can pose risks to people and pets.
- Setting sugar-based DIY traps: These may work for some species, but they can also attract more ants if they aren’t the right fit for the species in your home.
When To Call the Pest Control Pros
DIY methods can only go so far. If ants keep coming back or if you want to eliminate the entire colony, contact Acre Pest Control.
Here are signs it’s time to get help for your ant problem:
- You regularly see ants indoors or notice trails and nests
- You’ve had to throw out food due to contamination
- You’ve spotted carpenter ants and are concerned about potential structural damage
- You want peace of mind that the colony is completely gone
- You prefer a solution that’s not going to risk health or safety
How We Exterminate Ants in Greater Birmingham
At Acre Pest Control, we understand local ant species and what it takes to eliminate them. With over 30 years of industry experience and a science-backed approach, we know how to get to the root of your ant problem and ensure it doesn’t return.
Available in Pelham, Hoover, and throughout Greater Birmingham, our pest control services don’t just treat the ants you see. We offer long-term protection. After resolving the active ant infestation, we’ll set up a prevention plan to keep ants and other common pests out for good.
Say Goodbye to Ants in Your Kitchen
Ant problems may be common during the summer months in Birmingham, but that doesn’t mean you must live with them. If you’re tired of battling ants on your own, Acre Pest Control is here to help. Contact us today and enjoy a pest-free kitchen all season long.
