Dealing with ants can be a stressful, frustrating, and persistent problem. Ants might not be dangerous or destructive pests you will ever come across, but they would not go away. These tiny invaders can always be seen at every place, getting into everything by marching in long lines collectively. If this problem of ants is also stressing you out, you should contact professional help and enjoy the summer without pests.
Why are ants present in your kitchen?
The probable reason why you can always find ants in your kitchen is because of food, and these invaders are always in search of food. Ants have a complex colony of their own, and they require a massive amount of nutrition and food stock to meet their requirements and to sustain themselves. Hence, your kitchen is the goldmine hub for them as they can find free food everywhere.
Ants can see every bit of easily accessible crumbs lying, and they will invade every improperly stored food. If leftovers like veggies and fruits are left in the pantry, they can access them, too. Also, the atmosphere of the kitchen is typically humid and warm, which is appealing to the ants. The good news is that a maximum variety of ants are harmless, although they might carry bacteria, which makes them capable of being transmitters of infections and diseases.
One of the probable reasons for which ants can be seen in your home and kitchen is because of plants or trees. If you have trees and plants near your kitchen, there is a high chance that ants could be attracted. Trees and plants provide a source of nutrition and warmth for many varieties of insects, including ants, so always try to keep plants away from your windows, vents, and door openings if possible.
What are the effective ways to prevent ants from getting into your kitchen?
Getting rid of ants can be stressful, so it is better to prevent them at an early stage. Here are some strategies to prevent ants from invading your kitchen that work effectively:
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Keep the kitchen clean.
Rule number one to prevent ants from invading your kitchen is to keep it clean. Ants are primarily attracted to crumbs and residues of food, so it is essential to keep them clean. Always wipe down the counter shelves, wipe the floor, and clean the spill immediately. Make sure to complete the hidden corners and areas under appliances where the crumbs and leftovers can pile up.
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Store the food properly.
Ants are always looking out for food. It becomes essential for you to seal the food properly and remain in an airtight container. Foods like pantry items include flour, rice, sugar, and cereal, as well as foods for pets. Try to avoid foods in the open that include baked goods or fruits that mainly contain sugar content.
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Eliminate water sources.
The fact is that ants also need water to survive; hence, you must fix every leak in your home, mainly the kitchen, and also check regularly to see if there’s no standing water under appliances and on the sink. Immediately after using the sink, wipe out the water and dry out the space.
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Seal entry points.
Try to inspect every crevice and crack in your kitchen from which ants can enter. You can use weatherstripping or caulk to seal the gaps. Check all the points to areas around doors and windows and where pipes enter the kitchen.
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Use traps
If ants are invading your kitchen, you can try bait traps, natural repellents, or chemical sprays.
You still cannot get rid of ants?
After trying all of these methods mentioned above, if you are not able to get rid of ants, you can call professionals for help with a permanent solution. Professional help is needed because it ensures that the ant infestation will not occur next time in the future.