Why Are There So Many Ants In My Kitchen?

Is your kitchen the gathering spot for everyone in your family? It is at our house, too! Unfortunately, it is also a gathering spot for what feels like all the ants in the neighborhood. If you find yourself wondering why you have so many ants every spring, continue reading to find out what could be causing the ants to invade. Ants usually enter a home for several reasons revolving around access to the home and their quest for food. There is usually a justifiable reason why the ants seem to be flocking to your kitchen in particular. Here are a few things to consider about your home, and how you may be able to stop the unwanted guests.

Food Storage Issues

How do you store your food? Do you wrap up cookies and cereal bags tightly? You may want to consider changing your method of storing the food in your pantry. Since ants are in a constant search for food, it's a good idea to be proactive when it comes to your cabinets and pantry areas. Keep all foods stored properly in sealed containers and avoid leaving food out for long periods of time. Instead of wrapping up cereals and sugary foods that ants are most attracted to, think about switching to plastic or glass containers that properly seal.

Kitchen Cleanliness Issues

Your kitchen may look clean, but all it takes is a few crumbs to attract a line of ants. Sweep areas that can be forgotten, like right near the trash barrel, under the stove, and around the table when it comes to sweeping small crumbs that could attract ants. Wipe spills quickly, especially if the drink had any sugar. Use kitchen cleaners to wipe down all counters and clean messes right when they occur. In addition, if your children like to eat in areas other than the kitchen, remind them to return all dishes to the kitchen as ants will hunt down those leftovers. Whether it is in their bedroom, the family room, or any other area in your house, few areas of the home are safe from ants once they have made their way in.

Easy Access to Home Issues

Do a quick evaluation of the perimeter of your home this spring. Look for obvious entry points such as broken screens, gaps under doors, or utility pipes that need caulking. Do your best to seal as many visible access points as possible. Ants are, of course, tiny so they do not need much space to make their entry.

Plantings Near Home Issues

Do you have a garden, plantings, or bushes near the foundation of your home? These areas can serve as a bridge to the indoor if branches touch your home. If you do have vegetation near the side of your home choose pest deterrent types such as lavender and marigolds. Do you have a party going on in your kitchen? Are there any unwanted guests like ants ruining your party? Call Pest-End Exterminators now at 1-800-287-4321, 603-382-9644, or 978-794-4321.