The First-Time Homeowner’s Guide to Keeping Ants Out of the kitchen

March 31, 2025

Being a first time home owner is exciting but there is one tiny thing that can quickly take away your excitement - and that is an ant infestation. If you do come across ants in your kitchen, you are probably wondering how you, as a new homeowner in a new home, have ants.

The unfortunate fact is that kitchens are a prime spot for ants because they offer easy access to food, water, and shelter. But with that in mind, understanding why ants appear in your kitchen and how to effectively prevent them is essential to maintaining a clean, comfortable, and pest-free space.

Why Do I Have Ants?

Ants are persistent pests that invade kitchens specifically when they are in search of food and water. Kitchens offer everything that ants need to survive which makes them a hotspot for infestations. Even the tiniest crumbs and small, unnoticed spills can attract these tiny home invaders.

New homeowners may also encounter ants shortly after moving due to disturbance caused by unpacking boxes, renovations, or landscaping that disturbs nearby outdoor nests. But it is also important to note that ants may have already been present in the home - hidden behind cabinets or appliances, especially if the home was vacant or if the previous owners didn’t actively manage pest problems.

How to Keep Ants Out of the Kitchen

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping ants out of your kitchen. So, how do you keep ants out of your kitchen? Implementing these basic tips can significantly reduce the likelihood of an ant infestation:

Clean Up Spills and Crumbs Immediately

Ants are attracted to food residue. Make it a habit to wipe down countertops, tables, and floors after cooking or eating. Regularly vacuum or sweep your kitchen floors to remove crumbs and prevent ants from establishing trails to food sources.

Store Food in Airtight Containers

Leaving food in open packaging or loosely sealed containers is an invitation for ants. Transfer pantry items like cereals, sugar, flour, and pet food into airtight containers. This practice not only prevents ant invasions but also keeps food fresher for longer periods.

Regularly Take Out the Trash

Food scraps and residues in trash bins can easily draw ants into your kitchen. Ensure trash bins have tight-fitting lids, and take out your garbage regularly. Keeping bins clean and sanitized will remove lingering odors that attract pests.

How to Keep Ants Out of Kitchen Cabinets

Your kitchen cabinets are significant targets for ants as they serve as both shelter and food sources.

To protect your cabinets from ants:

Seal Cracks and Gaps: Ants can enter cabinets through even the tiniest of openings. Regularly inspect cabinets for cracks or gaps, particularly around the edges, shelves, and corners. Seal these openings with caulk or silicone sealant to create a barrier that ants cannot penetrate.
Use Natural Deterrents: Natural deterrents such as bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, or peppermint oil can effectively repel ants without using harsh chemicals. Placing bay leaves inside cabinets can discourage ants due to their strong scent.
Keep Cabinets Clean: Regularly wiping down cabinet shelves and interiors helps remove any lingering food odors or residues. A solution of vinegar and water is particularly effective at cleaning surfaces while simultaneously deterring ants.

How to Keep Ants Out of Kitchen Sink

To keep ants away from your sink area:

Eliminate Moisture: Ants are drawn to moisture-rich areas. Wipe down sinks and counters regularly to remove excess moisture. Fix leaky faucets and ensure your sink area stays dry this makes it less attractive for ants seeking water sources.
Use a Vinegar and Water Flush: Flushing your drains with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water once a week helps deter ants from nesting in or around your sink. Vinegar disrupts ant trails and masks the scent that ants use to navigate which effectively reduces ant traffic around the sink area.
Clear Out Food Residues: Regularly remove food residues from the sink strainer and drain areas. This small practice greatly reduces the risk of ants congregating around your sink in search of food remnants.

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

If ants persist despite consistent cleaning and sealing then it’s definitely time to contact a professional. Persistent ants can indicate a hidden infestation or larger outdoor colony.

The pest control experts at Excle Pest Services have the knowledge and tools necessary to identify the source of infestations and provide effective long-term treatments.

Excel Pest Services specialises in comprehensive ant control strategies, including: