How to Get Rid of Ants in the Kitchen (And Keep Them Out Permanently)

Kitchen ants are one of the most common household pest problems. They follow invisible scent trails to food sources and can establish colonies inside walls and cabinets. Here's how to eliminate them and prevent their return.

What You'll Need

TERRO Ant & Roach Bait Stations — pre-filled dual bait stations that attract and kill ants, roaches, and silverfish
White vinegar and water (for erasing scent trails)
JohnBee Spray Bottles — for vinegar spray
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Peppermint essential oil (natural deterrent)

Step 1: Find the Entry Point and Trail

Follow the ant trail back to where they're entering. Common entry points include gaps around pipes under the sink, window frames, door seals, and cracks in baseboards. Identifying the entry point is essential for permanent elimination.

Step 2: Erase the Scent Trail

Ants follow pheromone trails left by scout ants. Erasing the trail disrupts the colony's navigation.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray along the entire ant trail — counters, floors, baseboards.
Wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Repeat daily until ants stop appearing.

Step 3: Place Bait Stations

Place TERRO bait stations along the ant trail and near entry points. The bait works slowly — ants carry it back to the colony and share it, eventually killing the entire colony including the queen. Don't kill ants you see near the bait — let them carry it back.

Place near walls, under the sink, and in corners
Don't spray insecticide near the bait — it repels ants from the bait
Replace bait stations every 3 months as prevention

Step 4: Seal Entry Points

Once the infestation is under control, seal the entry points with caulk to prevent re-entry. Pay special attention to gaps around pipes under the sink and cracks in baseboards.

Step 5: Natural Deterrents for Prevention

Spray diluted peppermint oil along baseboards and entry points — ants dislike the scent
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth along entry points
Place bay leaves in pantry shelves
Keep counters completely clean and dry

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have ants in my kitchen even though it's clean?

Ants can be attracted by very small amounts of food residue, moisture, or even pet food. Check for crumbs under appliances, spills behind the stove, and moisture under the sink. Even a clean kitchen can have hidden food sources.

How long does it take to get rid of ants with bait stations?

Typically 1–2 weeks. The bait works slowly by design — it needs to be carried back to the colony. You may see more ants initially as they find the bait, which is a sign it's working.

Are ant bait stations safe around food and children?

TERRO bait stations are enclosed, making them safer around children and pets than sprays. Keep them out of reach of small children and pets as a precaution, and place in areas they can't access.

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