Noticing kitchen ants in the UK is fairly common, especially in the summer when they're more active. Often seeking food and moisture, they tend to get into kitchens following pheromone trails left by scout ants. Find out how dealing with common food sources, blocking entry points, and kitchen cleaning can help to keep your kitchen ant-free.
Why are there ants in the kitchen?
Ants want food and water sources, although they sometimes also come into homes for shelter. A spillage or a leaky tap might give them the water they want. Spilt food or unwashed-up plates can mean access to sustenance. Most foodstuffs in a typical food box can be eaten by ants – they consume most things – but when they're sealed properly, ants can't get at them.
It is worth noting, however, that sugary foods are often most highly prized by worker ants, the ones that you tend to see following ant trails. Therefore, if you cook a tasty dish, such as spiced halloumi steaks with hot honey sauce, make sure the pots, pans and plates are washed up or put into a closed dishwasher so ants aren't attracted by the sweet sauce.
How to get rid of ants in the kitchen
Dealing with kitchen ants is much like getting rid of fruit flies. You need to remove whatever is attracting them in the first place:
- Don't leave washing up untouched for long.
- Sweep or vacuum the kitchen floor frequently.
- Wipe down work surfaces with a kitchen cleaner.
- Focus on hard-to-reach areas around skirting boards and joins in kitchen counters.
- Place all food in airtight containers.
- Deal with puddles, leaky pipes or dripping taps to remove water sources.
How to kill ants in the kitchen safely
If you have upped your kitchen hygiene game and ants still appear, you can use baits. The idea is that they are attracted to something sweet in the bait, which slowly poisons the ants that take the bait back to their nest. Commercial ones for domestic use in kitchens are available, but you can make your own.
Since this relies on getting the mix just right and involves potentially harmful substances in a kitchen, opting for commercial bait traps tends to be the solution most people are comfortable with. Either way, never place bait traps on food preparation surfaces. Instead, you can use vinegar, soap and water or essential oils on their trails. This won't kill them, but it means they're less likely to return.
How to prevent ants in the kitchen
Many of the best kitchen hacks deal with preventative methods, and there are some good options for ants. Other than keeping the kitchen clean and tidy, you should ensure the bin you use has a lid which seals it off properly. Emptying the bin more frequently can also help. Check kitchen pipes behind cabinets each spring for signs of even low-level water leaks from joints.
Sealing cracks and other entry points can be another good preventative step, as can trimming bushes and other plants which may provide cover between the kitchen and a local ant nest outside. Finally, consider pet food as well as human food because ants can feed on it just as easily.
Common mistakes when getting rid of ants
If you are making a recipe like this balsamic chicken and roasties dinner, then make sure the work surface you prepare it on has been fully wiped down before you begin. Handling some of the essential oils or vinegar used to overpower ant trails can be strong, so a wipe-down with soap and water is advisable. Also, remember not to seal entry points when getting rid of ants using bait. This can mean the bait isn't on their usual route, diminishing its effect. Only seal after you've got rid of them.
Keeping the kitchen ant-free for longer
Following an ant infestation, when preparing a dish such as this sticky miso chicken recipe, it is a wise move to wipe down all kitchen surfaces and the inside of the oven afterwards. Focus on better storage, especially for dry foods, such as breakfast cereals, which ants can often access unless you use the right container. In general, following practical freezing and food storage tips can help keep ants out of your kitchen for longer than would otherwise be the case.
How to get rid of ants in the kitchen FAQs
Why are there ants in my kitchen?
Ants usually enter kitchens in search of food, water or shelter. Even small crumbs, sugary spills or damp areas can attract scout ants, which leave pheromone trails for the rest of the colony to follow. Once a reliable food source has been found, ants are likely to keep returning until it’s removed.
How do you get rid of ants in the kitchen overnight?
Although it’s difficult to eliminate ants overnight, you can quickly disrupt their activity by removing food sources and wiping away pheromone trails. Clean surfaces with equal parts white vinegar and water or use a household cleaner. This helps prevent other ants from following the same route into your kitchen.
Which smells keep ants away?
White vinegar is one of the most effective household options because its strong smell helps mask the pheromone trails ants use to navigate. Peppermint, citrus fruit, cloves and eucalyptus may also help discourage them. While these scents won’t eliminate an infestation, they can make your kitchen less attractive to returning ants.
Are ants harmful in the kitchen?
In the UK, ants are generally more of a nuisance than a health risk. Most common species don’t bite or sting, and they rarely spread disease indoors. However, they can contaminate uncovered food and may indicate easy access to food or water, making it worth dealing with the problem promptly.
Why do ants keep coming back to my kitchen?
Ants will continue returning if they can still find food, water or an easy way inside. Even if one trail disappears, another may quickly form, especially if the nest is nearby. Thorough cleaning, sealing entry points and removing food sources all help reduce the chances of repeat visits.