While an ant or two in the house is no big deal, an infestation of ants in your kitchen is a whole different story. The yuck factor is through the roof! Ants often enter the home in the kitchen because they know it’s the best place to access food and water. And once they find it, they go and tell all of their ant friends about it. Here’s how to ensure your kitchen stays ant-free.
Clean spills promptly. Food residue left on surfaces attracts ants to the kitchen. So when your child spills a drink on the floor or part of your meal prep sloshes onto the counter, grab a paper towel or cloth and clean it immediately.
Don’t leave dishes in the sink. Make it a habit to wash your dishes after use or load them directly into the dishwasher. The longer plates, cups, and utensils linger in the sink, the more likely ants will ascend upon your kitchen.
Sweep floors regularly. Even the tiniest of crumbs can attract ants to the kitchen. After each meal, or at least once a day, give your kitchen a quick sweep to remove crumbs.
Store food appropriately. Keep your food closed up tight to prevent ants from accessing it. Dry goods can be stored in airtight containers and fruit can be stored in the fridge. Ants are especially attracted to sugar, so be sure to securely close packages of cookies and other treats.
Address leaks and drips quickly. Ants are drawn to moisture, so a leaky sink or dishwasher is an ant’s dream. If you notice a leak, fix it quickly to prevent damage and to keep ants away.
Empty your trash can. When you think of everything you throw into the trashcan it’s easy to see why ants would want to take up residence in a kitchen. Use a sealed trashcan (one with a lid or hidden in a cabinet) and wipe down the can as needed to remove residue.
Don’t let pet food sit out all day. Food is food, whether its for you or for your dog. After you feed your pet, remove the bowl from the floor and clean it to prevent ants from sniffing it out.
Trim plants and bushes. Ants often use plants and bushes as a bridge to access your home. Walk around the exterior of your home and identify areas that could use a trim. It’s helpful to remove piles of wood or debris that may be close to your home as well.
Seal holes and openings. One of the best ways to keep ants out of the kitchen is to block their entry points. Caulk along doors and windows and fill any holes that may serve as an entryway for ants.
Use a pest control service. As the saying goes, prevention is the best medicine. A pest control service can create a customized plan to stop ants and other bugs from entering your home.
HomePro Pest Control offers monthly plans to keep ants out of your kitchen and other areas of the house.