Ant Control: How to Keep Ants Out of Your Kitchen

There is nothing more unnerving than finding ants in your kitchen. It doesn’t matter how clean you keep your kitchen; there are times they will show up nonetheless. At certain times of the year, ants are looking for new frontiers to bring food back to the nest, and your kitchen has many of the elements they are looking for. Here are a few tips for keeping ants out of your kitchen. These ant control methods are mostly DIY, but if you find the ants are persistent, it is time to call a professional.

• Access points. Because ants are tiny, they can gain admittance in the smallest of entry points. It takes time, but try to block these entryways as best you can. Caulking around windows is often one of the methods needed in homes.

• Destroy scent trails. When the first ant arrives, he leaves a scent trail so he can return . . . and so can his buddies. He’s found a lucrative food source and wants to let everyone else in on the feast. To avoid this happening, you need to disrupt this scent trail. Use a solution of half vinegar and half water to wipe down where you have seen the ants. It will not only remove the scent trail, but the ants also hate the smell. Be sure to use white distilled vinegar so you do not stain any surfaces. Lemon juice can also be used.

• Scent deterrents. Besides removing scent trails, there are other scents that ants do not care for. Consider using peppermint oil, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili pepper, garlic, mint, cinnamon or chili pepper sprinkled around areas you believe ants may enter. It is also helpful to put bay leaves in your cabinets and drawers.

• Outdoor deterrents. Some deterrents are too messy to use indoors but can be effective at keeping the ants from entering from the outdoors. Use coffee grounds, chalk, baby powder, or peelings from citrus or cucumbers. Dish soap can also be used, including pouring it directly into ant hills.

If you are finding that, despite your best ant control efforts, you are unable to resolve your ant issue, feel free to give us a call at Total Pest Solutions. Many of these DIY methods are not effective with a full infestation. We can also provide you with both indoor and outdoor ant control that takes care of other pests, as well, so you won’t have to worry about them, either. Don’t let ants ruin your day or perhaps even damage your home – call us today!