When ants make their way inside your kitchen, they can really wreak havoc. Ants tend to hang out in places like the pantry or near food items.
You might also see them crawling up the walls or across the countertops. If you notice any of these signs, chances are that you have an ant problem in your home.
Fortunately there are many ways to get rid of ants naturally and cheaply without resorting to harsh chemicals that could harm children or pets – and that’s what this article will show you how to do!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Keeping your kitchen clean and free of crumbs and spills is an effective way to prevent ants from invading. |
| Sealing cracks and openings where ants may enter can help deter them from entering your kitchen. |
| There are several natural remedies that can be used to get rid of ants, including vinegar, lemon juice, peppermint oil, and cinnamon. |
| Insecticides can be effective but should be used with caution in environments where food is prepared and consumed. |
| Taking preventative measures such as keeping food in airtight containers can deter ants from finding it, reducing the likelihood of infestations. |
Caulk Up All Cracks and Openings
If you see ants in your kitchen, the first thing to do is inspect the area to see if they’re coming from a crack or opening.
If there’s an opening that small ants can fit through and it leads outside of your home, seal it up with caulk. This will make it impossible for any more ants to enter your house through this point.
If you find cracks or openings that are too big for small ants to get into and lead inside, use a pesticide spray on them instead of caulk.
You may have heard before that pesticides will kill off all other insects in addition to just being toxic enough for ants; however, there are safer methods than spraying pesticides around your kitchen because these chemicals can harm pets and children who eat food prepared in these areas where poisons have been sprayed!
If you’re dealing with ants infestation around your house, it’s important to get rid of them properly. Check out our guide on how to get rid of ants outside to learn effective ways to keep your outdoor space ant-free
Use Soapy Water
The first step is to find a spray bottle. You can use any type of spray bottle as long as it has a narrow tip, but if you have one specifically designed for cleaning, that would be best. Next, mix 1/3 water and 2/3 soap in the bottle.
It does not matter what kind of soap you use—even dish or laundry detergent will work just fine. Finally, spray the mixture around your kitchen and other areas where ants are likely to be found. Every few days or so, repeat this process until all signs of ants are gone from your home!
Wash Dishes
Wash the dishes. The heat from the water will kill any ants that are on them.
If you have a dishwasher, run it through a cycle with hot water and soap to get rid of ants, or put your clean dishes in there.
If you don’t have a dishwasher and want to wash the dishes by hand, use hot soapy water to get rid of ants and then dry them completely before putting them away.
Sugar ants are not only annoying, but they are also hard to get rid of. If you’re struggling with a sugar ant infestation, check out our guide on how to get rid of sugar ants for pro tips to eliminate them.
Apply Borax and Sugar Bait
If you have a sweet tooth, this option is for you. Borax and sugar are toxic to ants, so the combination is a great bait for them.
Borax is a natural mineral that has many uses around the house—it’s in your laundry detergent, for example.
You can also buy it at your local grocery store in the laundry aisle or with household products like dish soap and hand soap.
Get together either one cup of plain white sugar or 2 tablespoons of borax and mix it with about 1/4 cup granulated sugar into an attractive pile on top of a piece of wax paper or foil that has been cut into an approximately 3-inch square shape (you don’t want to use too much as ants won’t come near if there’s too much bait right away).
Place this on top of an ant trail near where they’re coming into your home (don’t place inside) and watch how quickly these stubborn little insects take interest!
Place Peppermint Oil in the Areas Affected by Ants
Peppermint oil is one of the most effective natural insect repellents. It can also be used to kill ants.
The main reason that peppermint oil is such an effective ant repellent is because it has a scent that ants dislike, so they will avoid areas where it has been applied. To apply peppermint oil to get rid of ants:
- Use a cotton ball or swab to apply the essential oil directly in the area affected by ants.
- Apply the essential oil around all entry points where you feel ants are coming into your home and onto other surfaces near these entry points (such as cabinets, floors and walls).
Carpenter ants can cause severe damage to your home if not treated promptly. If you’re looking for natural ways to get rid of these ants, check out our guide on how to get rid of carpenter ants naturally for effective methods to eliminate them without using harmful chemicals
Get Rid of Ants with White Vinegar
Next, you’ll want to spray the ant trail with vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and pest repellent, so it’s easy to see why this can work as an effective ant repellent.
The reason that vinegar works so well against ants is that it dehydrates them. When ants are sprayed with vinegar, their bodies absorb the liquid through their exoskeleton and begin to dry out from the inside out. This causes them great pain and eventually death if left untreated.[2]
| Benefits of Using White Vinegar |
|---|
| Masks the ant’s scent trail, disrupting communication among the colony, and preventing them from forging a path |
| Removes the ant’s pheromone trail, which they use to navigate |
| Neutralizes the repelling odors ants use in defense |
| It cleans surfaces and repels ants |
| It’s safe and natural, and it won’t harm pets or children when used properly |
Dish Soap and Salt Can Kill Ants Fast
If you’re dealing with a large ant problem, this method is best used as a preventive measure. Mix dish soap and salt in a bowl, then use it to spray down the areas of your kitchen that are most prone to attracting ants (i.e., food sources).
It’s also important to spray any ant trails or nests that you spot while cleaning up after dinner or doing dishes. Leave the solution on the area for several hours before wiping it off with a damp cloth when you’re done cooking or eating.
Repeat this process until you see no more ants in your kitchen!
If you’re looking for natural ways to get rid of ants, you’re in the right place. Check out our guide on how to get rid of ants naturally to learn about natural remedies and preventive measures to keep ants away from your home.
Sprinkle a Little Cinnamon on the Problem Areas
Sprinkle a little cinnamon on the problem areas. Cinnamon is a natural repellent, and it will keep ants away. This method is safe to use around children and pets, as cinnamon is not harmful to humans or animals.
Spice Up Your Life with Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a natural and non-toxic way to get rid of ants. It can be used in two ways:
You can sprinkle some cayenne on the ant’s pathway, or on the ground where you see them walking and crawling. The cayenne will act as a repellent and keep the ants away from that area.
If there are already ants in your home, use cayenne pepper to kill them off! Sprinkle some cayenne on top of their colony—the pungent smell will force them out so they won’t be able to survive once they leave their nest
| Benefits of Cayenne Pepper |
|---|
| Aids digestion |
| Promotes weight loss |
| Boosts metabolism |
| Contains anti-inflammatory properties |
| May improve circulation |
| Helps to reduce pain |
| May ease congestion |
| Contains vitamins A, C, and E |
| Rich in antioxidants |
Lemon Juice Works Wonders to Get Rid of Ants
A cup of lemon juice is a great way to get rid of ants. The citric acid in the lemons can kill ants on contact, and it will also repel them from your home.
To use this method, pour some lemon juice into ordinary plastic cups or containers and place them strategically throughout your kitchen (on countertops, near sinks, etc.). This should keep the ants away from areas where food is prepared and stored.
If you have more than one type of ant problem in your kitchen or there are many different types of ants invading your home, try mixing equal parts water and sugar together to make an ant-repelling syrup that you can place around your whole house or apartment!
Diatomaceous Earth Is Effective Against Ants Infestation
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural product that comes from crushed fossilized water plants called diatoms. When the ants come into contact with DE, it cuts through their waxy outer layer and kills them.
It’s an effective method when used in food safe amounts. You can sprinkle DE around places where you see ant activity or use an ant funnel to get rid of them quickly. If you use too much, though, it can cause irritation to human skin so be careful not to breathe in while applying it!
Keeping ants out of the house can be a challenging task for any homeowner. If you’re tired of dealing with ants in your home, check out our guide on how to keep ants out of the house to learn from an owner’s experience on effective ways to prevent and get rid of ants
Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help Get Rid of Ants Permanently
Apple cider vinegar is a natural ant repellent, so you can use it to keep ants away. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water and spray along the edges of cabinets and counters where ants like to enter your home.
If you have an ant infestation outside, spray the solution directly on them after dark (when they are most active) and they will die before daybreak.
The mixture needs time to dry completely before reapplying it again (about 12 hours). You should also keep in mind that if you have pets or children in your household, be careful not to get any apple cider vinegar on their hands because it can irritate skin!
Conclusion
You’re probably wondering why I’m writing this blog post. Well, I am a concerned citizen who wants to spread the word about these dangerous insects that are invading our homes and kitchens!
These little pests can be really annoying and even dangerous if you don’t take the right precautions (like sealing up all cracks in your house). If we work together as a community, maybe we can get rid of them once and for all!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
Allrecipes – How to Get Rid of Ants in the Kitchen – This article provides tips and tricks for getting rid of ants in your kitchen, as well as advice for preventing future infestations.
Healthline – How to Kill Ants: 9 Home Remedies and Insecticides – This article offers natural and chemical methods for eliminating ants, along with information about ant behavior and prevention.
Bob Vila – Ants in the Kitchen? Here’s How to Get Them Out! – This article provides tips for getting rid of ants in your kitchen, including preventative measures and natural remedies.
FAQs
What causes ants to invade a kitchen?
Ants are typically drawn to kitchens because of food sources, such as open containers, crumbs, or spills. They may also be attracted to moisture or warm areas, such as near appliances.
How can I prevent ants from entering my kitchen?
Keeping your kitchen clean and free of crumbs and spills is a good way to prevent ants from invading. Sealing cracks and openings where ants may enter can also help. Additionally, storing food in airtight containers can deter ants from finding it.
What natural remedies can I use to get rid of ants in my kitchen?
Common natural remedies for ants include vinegar, lemon juice, peppermint oil, and cinnamon. These substances can be sprayed or applied in areas where ants are found, such as along windowsills, countertops, and baseboards.
Is it safe to use insecticides to eliminate ants in the kitchen?
While insecticides can be effective for eliminating ant infestations, they should be used with caution in environments where food is prepared and consumed. Always read and follow the instructions on the label, and consider using natural remedies as a first line of defense.
How long does it take to get rid of ants in the kitchen?
The amount of time it takes to get rid of ants in the kitchen can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the methods used to eliminate them. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping your kitchen clean and sealing openings, can help to minimize the likelihood of future infestations.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
