Ants in the Kitchen? Here’s How to Handle an Infestation
Few things are more frustrating than walking into your kitchen to find a steady line of ants marching across your countertop. It usually starts with just a few, but by the time most homeowners notice the problem, the colony is already well-established.
I’m Kevin McAlister, a Cornell University graduate with a degree in agricultural biology, entomology, and bioagricultural sciences. For the past nine years, I’ve owned a successful pest control company in Delaware, specializing in commercial pest management and integrated pest control strategies. I also write for Pest Extinct, where I share expert guidance to help homeowners and businesses handle pest problems more effectively. And today, I want to walk you through how to handle one of the most common household nuisances—ants in the kitchen.
Why Ants Love Your Kitchen
Your kitchen is a goldmine for ants. It has everything they need to thrive—food, water, and plenty of hiding spots. Sugary spills, crumbs, pet food bowls, damp areas under the sink, and even dirty dishes can all attract foraging worker ants.
What most people don’t realize is that once ants find a reliable food source, they don’t just stick around—they communicate with the rest of their colony by leaving a scent trail. That’s why you’ll often see them return to the exact same spot day after day, in even larger numbers.
Identify the Type of Ants First
Not all ants are created equal. To truly get control of an infestation, you need to know what species you’re dealing with. In my work, I most commonly come across:
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Odorous house ants – They smell like rotten coconut when crushed and are drawn to sweets.
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Pavement ants – Typically found near sidewalks or foundations, but they often invade kitchens in search of food.
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Pharaoh ants – Particularly tricky; they nest in hidden spots and are hard to eradicate without professional help.
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Carpenter ants – They don’t eat wood, but they tunnel through it to build nests and can be more destructive than most people realize.
Each of these ants has different nesting behaviors and preferences, which means your approach to removing them has to be targeted.
Stop the Problem at the Source
The first thing you should do is cut off the ants’ access to food and water. This sounds obvious, but it’s the most overlooked step. I always tell clients to:
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Wipe down all countertops, especially near food prep areas
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Store food in airtight containers, including cereals, snacks, and sugar
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Rinse dishes immediately rather than letting them sit
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Keep trash cans sealed and emptied regularly
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Mop floors and clean behind appliances where crumbs collect
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Fix any plumbing leaks under the sink or refrigerator
These steps alone can dramatically reduce the number of ants you’re seeing. But if the colony is already established, you’ll need to go further.
Don’t Just Spray—Treat Strategically
The biggest mistake I see homeowners make is grabbing an over-the-counter ant spray and blasting every ant in sight. While this might offer temporary relief, it often does more harm than good. Many sprays repel ants, causing the colony to scatter and form new sub-colonies elsewhere in your home. That makes the infestation even harder to control.
Instead, I recommend using ant baits—and using them correctly. Bait stations work because they take advantage of the ant colony’s own food-sharing behavior. Foraging ants carry the bait back to the nest, eventually killing the queen and the entire colony.
It’s important to place bait stations along the trails where you see ants moving. Don’t spray near the bait or clean up the trail too soon—those trails help guide other ants to the bait, which is exactly what you want.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried DIY methods and the ants keep coming back—or if you suspect you’re dealing with a species like pharaoh or carpenter ants—it’s time to bring in a pest control expert.
We use more targeted, professional-grade products and techniques that are far more effective than anything you can buy at the store. More importantly, we conduct a full inspection of your home to identify entry points, moisture problems, and potential nesting areas. That allows us to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms.
As a professional, I also incorporate integrated pest management (IPM) principles. That means I combine baiting, sealing entry points, adjusting environmental factors, and monitoring for long-term success, all while using the least toxic approach necessary.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you’ve gotten the infestation under control, the key is making sure it doesn’t happen again. I suggest:
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Sealing cracks in your foundation, walls, and around windows and doors
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Keeping mulch, plants, and debris away from your home’s foundation
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Storing firewood and outdoor items at least 20 feet from your house
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Performing seasonal pest inspections, especially during spring and summer when ant activity peaks
Ants are persistent. But with consistent upkeep and attention to detail, you can keep them out of your kitchen for good.
Final Thoughts
Ants may be tiny, but they’re incredibly organized and resourceful. Once they’ve targeted your kitchen, getting rid of them takes more than just a can of spray. The key to long-term ant control is identifying the species, treating the nest—not just the visible ants—and creating an environment that doesn’t invite them back.
I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners reclaim their kitchens from ant invasions. Whether you’re dealing with a small trail or a full-blown infestation, the right strategy will always outperform a quick fix.
About the Author
Kevin McAlister is a Cornell University graduate with a degree in agricultural biology, entomology, and bioagricultural sciences. He is the owner of a successful pest control company in Delaware and has specialized in commercial pest management and integrated pest control strategies for the past nine years. Kevin is also a writer and editor for Pest Extinct, where he educates homeowners and businesses on smart, sustainable pest solutions.
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