Tiny sugar ants on the kitchen counter can be a nuisance, but thankfully they are not hard to get rid of. These ants are attracted to sugar, of course, and other sweet substances, so the best technique is to keep all food items stored away in airtight containers. But, even if food items are stored, sugar ants may still find ways to get onto the kitchen counter. So, what can be done to get rid of these ants from the kitchen counter? Let’s look at a few methods.
Thorough Cleaning
The most important step for getting rid of any form of ant is to thoroughly clean the area that is invaded. This may include wiping down all sides of the counter with a damp cloth to remove the food residue and crumbs that attracted the ants in the first place. Don’t leave any cracks or crevices in the counter; seal them off with caulking or tape. Make sure to sweep the floor around the kitchen counter and use a vacuum cleaner to pick up any debris that might be on the floor.
Using Traps
There are several different types of traps that can be used to catch sugar ants on the kitchen counter. These include sticky traps, bait traps and baited traps. Sticky traps are very simple and they are made up of a thin layer of glue on cardboard or plastic. When an ant crawls through the glue, it gets stuck and cannot escape. Bait traps consist of a layer of bait that attracts the ants and then a poison that kills the ants. Baited traps work in the same way, but the bait is in a container that is designed to attract the ants and keep them contained.
Natural Remedies
Besides using traps to get rid of sugar ants, there are some natural remedies that can work quite effectively. Spraying the counters with a mixture of liquid soap and water can help to repel the ants and disrupt their scent trails. Spraying or scattering crushed bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, peppermint leaves and citrus peels on the counter will also help to keep sugar ants away. Combining a teaspoon of sugar with a quarter teaspoon of borax mixed in a bottle of water can work to kill the ants within a few hours.
Canned Insect Spray
Another simple solution to the problem of sugar ants is to use a canned insect spray. This kind of insect spray can be used to get rid of all kinds of ants, including sugar ants. Spray the area around and under the kitchen counter with the insect spray to kill the ants, and then wipe down the counter with soapy water to remove any residue or buildup that the ants have left behind. Doing this every few weeks will help to keep the kitchen counter free from ants.
Professional Services
As a last resort, if all of the methods mentioned above don’t work, it is best to hire a professional pest control service to get rid of the sugar ants on the kitchen counter. They will be able to take the necessary measures to get rid of the ants quickly and effectively. Professional pest control services use a variety of techniques to eradicate ants, including baits, sprays, dusts, and other methods.
Seal Up the Home
The last thing that should be done to prevent ants from entering the home is to seal up any possible entry points. This includes doors, windows, crevices, and cracks in the walls and floors. These are all possible areas where ants can enter and nest, and it is best to seal them up to prevent future infestations. Doing this on a regular basis is essential for a clean, ant-free kitchen.
Put Away Open Foods
Most sugar ants are attracted to open food, so it is important to store food items that could attract the ants in airtight containers. This includes sugar and other sweet substances, as well as fruits and vegetables. Keeping foods in tightly sealed containers will help to prevent sugar ants from coming onto the kitchen counter and will also keep the food fresh and protected from other pests.
Keep the Kitchen Clean
A good way to make sure ants don’t come back to the kitchen is to keep the area clean. Clean off the counter and floors regularly, using a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove crumbs and food residue. Doing this on a regular basis will help to keep the kitchen safe from sugar ants.
Take Preventive Measures
It is also important to take preventive measures to make sure that ants don’t return to the kitchen. This may include purchasing pest-proof containers for food storage, sealing cracks and crevices in walls and floors, and making sure that any food that is left out is covered in airtight containers. Taking these steps will make it more difficult for ants to enter the kitchen.
