Your kitchen is a prime spot for black ants. Overflowing garbage bins and crumbs on the floor attract ants and welcome them. Unfortunately, ants signal to the entire colony once they enter your kitchen. This leads to a steady stream of tiny pests that can spread to other areas of your home. They can be hard to get rid of.
To stop an infestation, call the professionals if the problem gets out of hand and your home becomes overrun by ants. A pest control company can identify the source of your ant problem, get rid of the ants, and prevent them from returning.
With some valuable tips, you can eliminate black ants and keep them away for good. Here are some best practices to eliminate black ants in your home.
Clean up food spills immediately
Food spills in the kitchen are extremely common. Whether a cooking accident or dropped crumbs at the dinner table, food will end up on your kitchen floor. If you see ants in your kitchen, you should clean up spilled food immediately. This will reduce the attraction of more ants to your home.
Use a spray bottle with water to kill ants instantly. Then, use a broom or vacuum to remove large bits of food. Next, clean the floors with a mop or cloth with soapy water. Ensure that you get into all the cracks and crevices in your kitchen. Pay extra attention to hidden areas under counters and behind appliances.
Wash down the walls with soap and water
Another essential step in getting rid of ants in your home is washing the walls with soap and water. Foods and beverages can easily spill, leaving a sticky trail dripping down your walls and cabinets. This is a magnet for ants. You should use mild dishwashing liquid instead of harsh chemicals because they could harm your family members.
Remove any crumbs or dirt from the floor
You must keep your floors clean if you notice ants scurrying around your kitchen. First, clean up any crumbs or dirt lying around. Second, remove any pet hair or debris that could attract ants. Third, wash down the walls and baseboards with water and mild soap. Even the smallest crumbs and debris on your floor can attract an entire colony of ants to your home, resulting in an infestation.
Check under the sink for leaks
If you notice ants crawling around your home, check under the sink first. You might find water leaking from pipes or other areas where ants nest. Also, look at the floor near the sink, appliances, and cabinets.
If there are cracks or holes, ants could enter your house. Taking care of these issues helps you identify possible ant nests and areas where an ant colony could make its home. Dealing with these problems at the first sign of infestation will allow you to handle things before a full infestation occurs.
Remove all food from the countertops
Removing all food from the countertop is an important step in getting rid of ants in your home. If you see ants scurrying around your kitchen, chances are there’s something nearby they want to eat. Keep all food tightly sealed.
Whenever possible, use plastic or glass storage containers. Storing your food inside cupboards or pantry will make it harder for ants to access.
Keep your garbage can tightly sealed
Your kitchen garbage can is like a gold mine for ants. It is a surefire way to attract and lead them to the kitchen. Keep all garbage outside your home in the garage or enclosed area if possible.
If this isn’t possible, use a garbage can with a lid and keep it tightly closed. Also, keep a close eye on the area around your garbage to ensure no crumbs or food scraps are littered on the floor.
Spray around the perimeter of your home
Using an ant spray or traps around the perimeter of your home and at all entrances can prevent ants from entering. While spraying, inspect your home for tiny cracks and openings. See if you can determine where the ants are gaining access to the inside of your house. Repairing these areas quickly can help keep your ant problem under control.
Keeping your kitchen clean is important because ants in the kitchen can spread to other parts of your house. These tiny insects feed on dead animal matter and plant material. They can also carry diseases and parasites.
