It always starts with one ant. Then there are ten, marching in a perfect line straight to the honey jar. If you want to get rid of ants for good, spraying the ones you can see won’t cut it, because the real problem is the colony they came from. Here’s a calm, step-by-step plan to get rid of ants in the kitchen and keep them out.
Why Ants Come Into the Kitchen
Ants are looking for food, water, and sometimes shelter. A few crumbs, a sticky jar lid, or a pet food bowl can attract scouts, which then leave a scent trail for the rest of the colony to follow.
Step 1: Remove Food and Water Sources
- Wipe counters and tables after every meal.
- Store sugar, cereal, honey, and snacks in airtight containers.
- Rinse recyclables and take out the trash regularly.
- Don’t leave pet food out all day; clean around the bowls.
- Fix leaky faucets and dry the sink area at night.
Step 2: Erase the Scent Trail
Ants follow invisible pheromone trails. Wiping them away makes it harder for other ants to find the food.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray and wipe along the trail and entry points.
- Soapy water also works well.
Step 3: Find Where They’re Getting In
Follow the trail to see where ants enter: gaps around windows, baseboards, plumbing pipes, or cracks in the wall. Seal small openings with caulk once the infestation is under control.
Step 4: Use Bait Instead of Just Spraying
Spraying the ants you see kills only the workers. Baits work better because workers carry the bait back to the nest and share it with the colony, including the queen.
- Place bait stations along trails, away from children and pets.
- Leave the ants alone while they feed. It’s normal to see more ants at first.
- Be patient. It can take several days to a couple of weeks to see a big difference.
A note on DIY borax baits: homemade borax and sugar baits are a common remedy, but borax is toxic if swallowed. If you have kids or pets, enclosed commercial bait stations are a safer option. Always follow label directions.
Natural Deterrents
These won’t eliminate a colony, but they can discourage ants from specific areas:
- Peppermint oil diluted in water and wiped along entry points
- Cinnamon or coffee grounds sprinkled near entry points
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade) in dry, out-of-reach areas
Prevent Ants From Coming Back
- Keep a regular cleaning routine.
- Trim plants and branches that touch your house.
- Keep mulch and firewood away from the foundation.
- Seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows.
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
- The problem keeps returning despite your efforts.
- You see large black ants that may be carpenter ants, especially near damp wood. They can damage your home’s structure.
- You suspect a nest inside the walls.
Why Spraying Alone Won’t Get Rid of Ants
When you spray a trail of ants, it feels satisfying, but you’re only hitting the workers. The queen stays safe in the nest, laying more eggs. That’s why ants come right back a few days later. To truly get rid of ants, you need to target the colony, and that’s exactly what slow-acting baits do: workers carry the bait home and share it.
A 7-Day Plan to Get Rid of Ants
- Day 1: deep-clean counters, floors, and the area under appliances. Store food in airtight containers.
- Day 1: wipe the trail with vinegar and water, then place bait stations along the path.
- Days 2–4: leave the bait alone. More ants at first is a good sign.
- Days 5–7: activity should drop. Replace bait if it’s empty.
- After: seal entry points with caulk.
If you’d like help choosing safer products, the National Pesticide Information Center offers science-based information on pesticides and pest control around the home.
Common Kitchen Ant Types
- Odorous house ants: small and brown or black; they smell a bit like rotten coconut when crushed and love sweets.
- Pavement ants: often come up through cracks in slabs and floors.
- Carpenter ants: larger and usually black; they nest in damp wood and may need a professional.
Knowing which ant you’re dealing with helps you choose the right bait. Sweet-loving ants prefer sugar-based baits, while others go for protein or grease baits. If one bait isn’t working, try a different type.
Keep Your Kitchen Ant-Proof
Ants love clutter and crumbs. A tidy, well-organized kitchen is much harder for them to raid. These small kitchen organization ideas help you store food properly, and a simple weekly cleaning schedule keeps crumbs from piling up.
Is It Ants or Something Worse?
Winged insects near windows in spring might be flying ants, or they might be termite swarmers. The difference matters a lot. Check our guide to the signs of termites if you’re not sure.
Get Rid of Ants FAQ
How long does it take to get rid of ants with bait?
Many people see a big drop within a few days, but it can take one to two weeks to fully get rid of ants, depending on the colony size.
Are natural remedies enough?
Vinegar, peppermint oil, and cinnamon can discourage ants, but they rarely eliminate a colony on their own. Use them alongside good cleaning habits and bait.
Why do ants come back every spring?
Warmer weather makes colonies more active and hungry. Seal gaps and keep food sealed before the season starts.
Is it safe to use ant bait around pets?
Choose enclosed bait stations, place them where pets can’t reach, and follow the label carefully. If a pet swallows bait, contact your vet.
Signs You’ve Finally Managed to Get Rid of Ants
How do you know it worked? After a week or two, you should see fewer scouts and no organized trails. Bait stations stop emptying. Keep at least one station in place for a few more weeks to catch any stragglers, then remove it if activity stays at zero. If ants return in the same spot, check for a new entry point or try a different bait type.
Final Thoughts
To get rid of ants in the kitchen, remove their food, clean their trail, and use bait to reach the colony. Then seal entry points and keep up good habits so they don’t return.