Why Do I Have Ants In My Kitchen?

Have you ever wondered why ants always seem to end up in your kitchen? Although humans know that houses exist and that we store food inside them, ants don't possess such knowledge. So why do they invade our homes? In this article, we will explore the reasons why ants may choose to invade your home, particularly your kitchen, and provide you with some tips on how to prevent them from doing so. If you need reliable ant control, feel free to reach out to Getem Services, and we'll take care of the problem. Our team will visit your home, locate the source of the infestation, and use effective treatments to eliminate these pesky insects. For now, keep reading to learn more about ant prevention techniques.

Where do ants come from?

Ants are primarily outdoor creatures that build large underground nests consisting of sprawling tunnels. The nests are only visible by the large mounds of dirt that ants use to travel to and from the surface. These mounds are a good indication that ants are present on your property. However, some species of ants build their nests inside the walls of homes, under floorboards, or in other hollow areas.

One thing that all ants have in common is their need for food. They are omnivores and will eat just about anything. To find food, the nests send out scouts who move in every direction, looking for anything tasty that their colonies might enjoy. Some scouts find cracks, gaps, and holes in the exterior of homes and make their way inside. Once indoors, these pests will scour floors, tables, and furniture for anything they can break down and carry back to their nest. If a scout finds something tasty, it turns around and walks back to its nest, leaving a pheromone trail behind. This trail is what leads other ants back to the source of food.

Why do ants like kitchens?

Ants like kitchens because there’s access to food. Even a few crumbs on floors, tables, countertops, or pantry shelves can attract these pests, and once they find a food source, they'll undoubtedly tell their friends.

They are also attracted to other areas where you eat. Preventing their access to food throughout your home can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Here are some effective tips to keep these insects away from your home.

How to prevent ants from getting into your kitchen & home

There are two ways you can reduce your chances of finding ants inside your home. The first method involves addressing entry points. If these pests can’t get into your home, they can’t tell their friends. The second method addresses factors that attract these pests, like food and moisture. Here are some tips to apply these methods and keep your home ant-free.

Seal potential gaps, holes, and other entry points in the exterior of your home’s foundation.
Seal gaps around windows and doors.
Clean your gutters.
Address standing sources of water.
Store all your leftovers and pantry items inside air-tight containers.
Keep your home clean and tidy.
Wipe up spills when they occur.
Fix plumbing problems.
Replace water-damaged wood.
Address moisture issues in your crawl space.
Trim back bushes and tree branches from your home’s exterior.
Remove clutter from your property.

If it’s too late and ants have already infested your home or property, seek professional help. The experts at Getem Services have everything you need to solve whatever pest problem is bugging you and your family.

The effectiveness of professional ant control

For help exterminating ants in your kitchen or elsewhere in your home or yard, contact Getem Services. We are a team of trained pest control professionals who focus on quality pest treatments and friendly services. From start to finish, you can count on us to eliminate your ant problem, no matter how big the infestation is.

In fact, our year-round home pest control services in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and throughout our Hampton Roads service area are the ideal solution for little black ants, odorous house ants, and other types of ants in our region. With this plan, you’ll receive: