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How Do I Get Rid of Tiny Ants in My Kitchen? 26 Ways

How Do I Get Rid of Tiny Ants in My Kitchen
Here are 26 ways to get rid of ants in your kitchen, ranging from DIY to professional methods

Ants are unwelcome guests in the kitchen, not just because they are uninvited but also because they are often very difficult to get rid of. 

Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of house ants, ranging from DIY methods to professional services. Acting early is key, since giving them too much time to create more colonies will make your ant infestation much harder to eliminate.

26 ways to get rid of ants in your kitchen

  1. Vinegar solution. Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake well, spray on surfaces where you see ants, and wipe off with a sponge or a damp cloth. You can also spray it on cracks and crevices where ants tend to hide. When sprayed directly on the ants, vinegar can kill them, and the smell of it is enough to keep most insects away.
  2. Lemon juice. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice in a spray bottle and mix with an equal amount of water. Shake well and use it to wipe surfaces including your cutting boards.
  3. Cinnamon. Cinnamon sticks and powder can help keep ants away, as they work as a natural insect repellent.
  4. Essential oils. Tea tree, lemon, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils act as potent insect repellents. Pour 2-3 cups of water in a spray bottle and add 20-30 drops of essential oils. Spray on surfaces and let air dry.
  5. Baking soda. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of water to make a thick paste. Put this paste on surfaces with ant trails. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth or sponge.
  6. Pepper powder. Black and cayenne pepper help keep ants away. You can sprinkle pepper powder around certain areas as well as cracks. Use gloves and wash your hands well afterwards, as pepper can irritate your skin.
  7. Cornstarch. Sprinkle cornstarch over ant trails and pour water. This will trap and kill the ants, which can be then wiped away. You can also just sprinkle cornstarch over ants if you wish to use a vacuum cleaner to dispose of the ants.
  8. Boric acid. Boric acid kills ants quite effectively. Since it is a poisonous substance, use caution and keep away from kids and pets. To prepare the solution, mix a cup of warm water, 6-8 teaspoons of sugar, and ½ 0 teaspoon of boric acid. Stir well, and either directly pour over ant trails or use cotton balls soaked in the solution.
  9. Borax solution. In a disposable container, mix 1 cup of warm water, 6-8 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of borax until it forms a syrupy solution. This remedy can destroy entire ant colonies. However, it is toxic and must be used with caution.
  10. Bay leaf. Bay leaves have a strong smell that can help keep ants away. You can put a dry bay leaf in canisters containing dry food items such as grains or flour to ward off ants.
  11. Diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is an all-natural powder that can dehydrate ants and can be sprinkled around cracks to keep them away.
  12. Glass cleaner. Wipe surfaces with a glass cleaner regularly. You can also mix it with liquid detergent and dilute it with some water to use as a spray.
  13. Coffee grounds. Sprinkle some coffee grounds on problem areas to repel ants.
  14. Chalk powder. Drawing lines of chalk chalk powder especially around cracks and kitchen counters can help keep ants away.
  15. Boiling water. Boiling water can be poured into cracks to kill ants.
  16. Keep your kitchen clean. Wipe all surfaces, including the floor, as soon as you notice any spilled liquids or crumbs. Even traces of food, especially those that contain sugar, can attract ants.
  17. Store food properly. Use sealed containers to store food items, including pet foods.
  18. Dispose garbage regularly. Garbage can attract ants and other insects. Throw away kitchen garbage daily and dispose of soda cans properly after use.
  19. Keep fruits covered. Fruits, especially overripe ones, tend to attract ants. Try to keep fruits covered and avoid letting them get too ripe.
  20. Fix leaks. Leaking pipes, faucets, and sinks can attract ants, especially during hot summer months.
  21. Keep pet bowls clean. Clean spilled or leftover pet food and make sure that pet bowls are washed after use.
  22. Avoid buildup of water, dirt, or grease. Dirt and grease can collect in certain areas of the kitchen, especially around faucets and in corners.
  23. Repair cracks. Cracks in walls and windows can serve as hiding places for ants and other insects. You can seal them with cement or get them professionally repaired.
  24. Take care of houseplants. Plants often harbor ants and other insects. Make sure you trim outdoor plants and trees so that they are not touching your kitchen windows. Spray essential oil solutions on indoor plants to ward off ants.
  25. Use insect repellents or bait traps. There are many of these available on the market. Make sure to follow the label instructions to avoid any hazardous effects.
  26. Call a professional. If none of these home remedies work, enlist the help of a pest control professional to get rid of your ant infestation for good.
References
Image Source: iStock Images

https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/where-do-ants-hide/

https://pestkill.org/ants/kitchen/

https://news.stanford.edu/pr/01/ants45.html
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