Ants always want to have their way into your home especially when you keep some items that attract them. The petite nature of this creature affords them the ability to penetrate every nook and cranny in your home.
If you reside in Chicago and you’re having a heavy infestation or want to prevent an infestation, Pest Control & Extermination Services in Chicago Illinois got you covered. Here are safe ways to get rid of ants in your kitchen.
Ways To Get Rid Of Ants In The Kitchen?
- Block Entry Points
Take note of every entry point in your kitchen, it could be cracks in the wall, crevices, holes, floorboards, door, and window frames. The easiest way to go about this is to trace their movement.
Having traced their entry point, seal it up properly to prevent a heavy infestation. If you can’t find their entry point, (depending on the type of house) you can check the exterior of your foundation, that’s a possible entrance.
- Get Rid of Food Source
Ants get attracted to food, fruits, and other sweet substances like honey, sugar, and cornmeal. This points to the fact that you need to keep your kitchen clean thoroughly.
Always wash the dishes, clean up every utensil after cooking, and also make sure you sweep off crumbs and any other substance that can attract ants.
On the other hand, make sure your food containers are tightly sealed. Clean off pet bowls, and use repellents that purify the pheromone odor that attracts ants.
- Eliminate Ants Naturally
If you notice that there is a heavy infestation in your kitchen, kill the ants using safe methods to prevent contamination.
Some natural methods include; diatomaceous earth, peppermint, vinegar, cornstarch, cinnamon leaf, and borax among others. Some of these substances serve as elimination while some kills ants.
- Use Nontoxic Repellents
Not all commercial repellents are non-toxic, be sure to purchase the right chemical that has no side effects.
Before purchasing repellents, avoid picking sprays that contain cypermethrin, imiprothrin, and any other harmful substance which should not be inhaled.
- Use Bait Traps
If you have allergies to chemicals, bait traps may be right for you. Bait traps attract ants when they feed on the bait containing pesticide. They go ahead to transfer the bait to the colony, killing off others.
Though bait traps contain some toxic chemicals, it works very well for light infestation. Have in mind that bait traps should be kept far away from children and pets.
You can purchase bait traps at gardening and hardware stores, but make sure you check their content.
- Contact A Pest Exterminator
An ant infestation can be heavy and sometimes pose difficult to eliminate, in some cases, it is wise to contact an expert pest exterminator.
Pest exterminators know how well to get the job done within a few days without having to contaminate your foodstuff.
- Prevent Another Infestation
After exterminating ants from your kitchen, do well to avoid another infestation. Prevention is better than extermination; take a cautious method to tidy up your kitchen.
Seal cracks, crevices, and holes on the wall. Do well to store and arrange foodstuffs in air-tight containers.
Dispose of garbage bags daily, keep your sink dry, and vacuum frequently to get rid of any attractive substance.
Bottom Line
The species of ants that find their way into your kitchen is somewhat harmless, unlike bees or bugs. Despite that, an ant infestation can be disturbing and can also arouse allergies in some cases.
Always do your part to make your kitchen and environment clean daily and void of dirt. If you’re having a tough time exterminating ants naturally, contact a professional pest exterminator near you.
