How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Kitchen

Ants in the kitchen can be a frustrating problem for Michigan homeowners, especially as these persistent pests are drawn to the warmth and food supplies of your home. Whether you’re dealing with sugar ants, carpenter ants, or other common species found in Michigan, tackling an ant infestation requires a strategic approach. This DIY guide will help you address the problem effectively, keeping your kitchen ant-free.

Ants in Michigan

The most common type of ant to find in your Michigan kitchen is the sugar ant. These small, light-colored ants are attracted to sugary substances and can often be found foraging for crumbs and spills. Alternatively, pavement ants—tiny ants that often nest in cracks in pavements and sidewalks—can sometimes migrate indoors in search of food. In some cases, you might also encounter carpenter ants, larger ants that prefer to nest in moist or decaying wood, and that can cause significant damage to the structural integrity of your home.

Identifying the ant species helps tailor your approach to more effectively target the infestation.

1. Clean and Declutter Your Kitchen

A critical first step in managing an ant problem is to eliminate the factors attracting them. Ants are primarily drawn to food sources and moisture, so a meticulous cleaning routine is vital. 

• Remove Food Sources: Start by removing any easily accessible food sources—store food in airtight containers and clean up spills, crumbs, and food residues immediately.
• Clean Surfaces: Wipe down all kitchen surfaces—countertops, cabinets, and floors—with a mixture of water and white vinegar or lemon juice. These solutions not only clean but also neutralize ant pheromone trails, which ants use to communicate and find food.
• Take Out the Trash: Additionally, empty your kitchen trash cans regularly and ensure they have tight-fitting lids. Keep your trash cans clean to prevent ants from being attracted to the food waste.

2. Inspecting Your Kitchen for Ant Entry Points

Once your kitchen is clean and tidy, start to examine the area meticulously to see how the ants are getting into your home. Ants are often found following trails or marching in lines, so the first step is to trace these trails back to their source. 

Here’s how to go about it:

• Follow Ant Trails: Observe where ants are coming from and where they are heading. This can lead you to their entry points. Look along the path for any visible cracks, gaps, or openings.
• Check Common Entry Points: Inspect typical entry areas such as around windows, doors, and the base of walls. Ants can easily slip through gaps or spaces that may not seem significant to us.
• Examine Plumbing Areas: Pay special attention to areas around sinks, dishwashers, and other plumbing fixtures. Ants are attracted to moisture, and these areas can provide easy access if there are gaps or leaks.
• Inspect Cabinets and Drawers: Open cabinets and drawers, particularly those near food storage. Look for any cracks or gaps where ants could be entering. Also, check the seals around these areas.

Once you have found out how ants are getting into your kitchen, the next step is to seal off the holes.

3. Sealing Entry Points

Before sealing the hole, clean the area thoroughly. Remove any debris, dust, or food particles from around the crack or hole. Use a vacuum or a damp cloth to ensure the area is clean. This not only helps with sealing but also removes any pheromone trails that might attract more ants.

Depending on the size and location of the hole, you’ll need different sealing materials:

• Small Cracks: Use caulk or silicone sealant for small cracks. Apply the sealant generously into the crack and smooth it out with a caulk tool or your finger. Allow it to dry completely before resuming kitchen use.
• Larger Gaps: For larger gaps or holes, use expanding foam sealant or a combination of caulk and foam. Apply the foam into the gap and let it expand and dry. Once dry, trim any excess foam and cover with caulk if needed for a smooth finish.
• Gaps Around Pipes: Use pipe insulation or foam sealant to fill gaps around pipes. Ensure that the material you use is heat-resistant and designed for use around plumbing fixtures.

After sealing the holes, keep an eye on the repaired areas to ensure that they remain intact. Regularly inspect your kitchen for new potential entry points and address them as needed. Maintaining a clean and well-sealed kitchen is crucial for preventing future infestations.

4. Use DIY Ant Baits and Traps

Ant baits and traps can play a crucial role in eliminating an infestation. 

One effective method is to create a homemade ant bait. Mix borax with sugar or honey to attract ants. Place small containers of this mixture around your kitchen, particularly near ant trails. Ants will consume the bait and carry it back to their colony, where it will eventually kill the entire nest. This method is effective because it targets the problem at its source rather than just dealing with the ants you see.

For immediate control, consider using DIY ant traps. A simple mixture of vinegar and water or dish soap and water can be used to create traps. Ants will be attracted to the solution and drown, providing a temporary but quick fix.

You can also make your own homemade ant spray by mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and adding a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or lemon, which are known to repel ants. Shake the mixture well before use. This homemade spray can help kill ants and will leave your kitchen smelling fresh without the use of harsh chemicals, but it does not address the root of the infestation.

5. Utilizing Ant Natural Remedies

Several natural remedies can help repel ants and deter them from returning. 

• Cinnamon is known for its strong scent, which ants dislike. Sprinkle ground cinnamon around ant entry points to create a barrier that ants will avoid. 
• Peppermint oil is another effective repellent. Mix a few drops with water and spray the solution around your kitchen. The scent of peppermint is unpleasant to ants and can help keep them at bay.
• Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilized algae that can be sprinkled along ant trails. When ants come into contact with it, the powder dehydrates and kills them. Ensure you use food-grade diatomaceous earth to avoid any potential health hazards.

6. Monitoring and Maintaining

Once you’ve implemented these strategies, continue to monitor your kitchen for any signs of ants. Regular inspections can help you spot and address any new ant trails before they become a more significant issue. Consistent cleaning and maintenance are key to preventing future infestations. Ensure that all food is stored properly, and keep an eye out for any new cracks or gaps that might need sealing.

7. Seek Professional Help

If your DIY efforts do not resolve the ant problem or if you suspect a larger infestation, it might be time to consult a professional pest control service. Our Michigan-based ant control experts at All Seasons Pest Control can offer advanced treatments tailored to the specific ant species and infestation level, ensuring a thorough resolution to the problem.