No one wants to share a meal with pesky ants. Unfortunately, these pests like to spend time in kitchens. If ants are in your home, there’s likely a reason for their arrival. Being able to identify attractants will make it easier to get rid of these pests. Check out a few reasons why ants are hanging out in your kitchen.
Ants Found Food
The main reason ants head indoors is because they’re searching for food. If these pests find a tasty treat, they will keep returning to your house.
Be on the lookout for potential food sources:
- Crumbs, pieces of food, spills
- Dirty dishes
- Greasy or sticky residues
- Food left on the counter
- Food not properly stored in sealed containers
- Your pet’s food
- Trash
Ants Found Water
Moisture can also attract ants. These bugs need to stay hydrated and a small amount of water can cause them to stop by your kitchen. Make sure to keep your kitchen as dry as possible.
Examine your space for moisture build-up:
- Leaky pipes and faucets
- Appliance leaks
- Water spills from pet bowls
- Water near the kitchen sink
- Clogged or slow drains
- Poorly draining dishwashers
Easy Access Points
Ants can only bug you if they can find a way inside. These pests are small, and tiny holes can help them gain entry to your house. If you spot a trail of ants, try following them to their entry point.
Be sure to regularly check for easy access points:
- Holes and gaps, especially near doors, windows, and your home’s foundation
- Loose siding or bricks
- Cracks in window and door frames
- Torn door and window screens
- Open windows and doors
- Plants or tree branches touching your home that make it easier for ants to access your house
Other Ants Led Them to Your Home
Worker ants are sent from the nest to complete a job—find food. When they find a good food source, they release pheromones to help them find their way back. These pheromones can also lead other ants to the spot. If you notice ants headed in the same direction, there’s a good chance they are following a trail. A mixture of vinegar and water can help to remove these trails.
Changes in Weather
Sometimes it can be tough to adjust to changes in weather. Ants also struggle with this problem. If temperatures become too hot, ants may slip inside to cool off. If conditions are really dry, they will enter homes looking for moisture. Too much rain can also be a problem. Their nests can flood, which can send ants indoors.
There’s a Nest Near Your Home
If ants have started invading, there’s a chance a nest is nearby. Check your yard for a nest. These often look like mounds of dirt. Following an ant trail may make it easier to find a nest. It’s also possible that ants are nesting in your home. Carpenter ants build nests in damp or rotting wood. They don’t feed on the wood, but they do tunnel through it. Ant nests can be treated with a plant-based insecticide dust. You can carefully apply dust to the nest and puff it into the entrance.
Ants may like your kitchen, but you don’t have to let them stay. To keep your space free of ants, identify and remove potential attractants. If you’re dealing with an ant problem, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.