Getting Rid of Ants in the Kitchen

By Donna from NJ

Archives: Request: Getting Rid of Ants in the Kitchen Archived on 11/05/2009 Help please, with the current heat wave and lack of water, my kitchen has been invaded by ants. They are everywhere. Please help with suggestions on how to keep them from coming in and then not coming back. By Deborah from Temecula, CA Feedback: RE: Getting Rid of Ants in the Kitchen I don't know if you want a remedy that isn't a chemical, but if you are not opposed to using chemicals, the best thing I have found to eliminate ants in my kitchen is a product called Terro. It comes in a small bottle, and is a clear substance that has a consistency similar to honey. Just take a small piece of waxed paper, pour out a couple drops of the Terro on the waxed paper, and put it in an out of the way area of your windowsill or counter where you are seeing ants. In minutes, they will form a ring around the drops, and soon after that, they will be gone. Repeat the treatment as needed. Harlean from AR (09/04/2009) By Harlean from AR RE: Getting Rid of Ants in the Kitchen Try black pepper as mentioned in today's site. (09/04/2009) By rasta RE: Getting Rid of Ants in the Kitchen I just read where you can wipe their path with a cotton ball filled with vinegar and it will erase the scent they follow. Also, a chalk line works. And when they keep 'butting" the line they fall off the wall. Don't know if it kills them or what, but it does deter them. Good luck. (09/04/2009) By HalfWhit RE: Getting Rid of Ants in the Kitchen Do not use black pepper around cats, it can be lethal to them. I put bay leaves on window sills, etc. (09/05/2009) By Maryeileen RE: Getting Rid of Ants in the Kitchen Just use cinnamon, works every time. (09/05/2009) By sillygirl1717 RE: Getting Rid of Ants in the Kitchen I won't use chemicals or poisons. Diatomaceous earth is a white powder used in the garden to eliminate pests. It's the best thing I've ever used for ants. Just sprinkle it on the floor, counters, or whatever; it's completely safe. Available at home stores like Lowe's for about $10 for a large bag. Jan from FL (09/07/2009) By jcolinger RE: Getting Rid of Ants in the Kitchen If you try it, make sure the Diatomaceous Earth is "food grade" if you have small children or pets. (09/08/2009) By Deeli Report Spam or Abuse Request: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Archived on 09/02/2009 I have had an ongoing problem with sweet ants and can't get rid of them. I tried leaving a cluster of cloves, baby powder, and the supposedly great Protexall Ant Kil, yes, they go to it, but they sit and eat it like I put it there for them to feast on. Nothing has worked, they are only in my kitchen, which I keep spotless, and stay running on my bathroom sink area. I have changed the "glops" of the famous Ant Kil I mentioned and it just seems like a new "glop" of treat for them. Please, help, if anyone knows better it would be so appreciated. By scottsmar Feedback: RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Here are a few more options to try: Used coffee grounds or chalk lines around all entry points can deter them. Boric acid (borax soap in laundry aisle) around entry points (not toxic to people or animals) will kill them. Good luck. (07/21/2009) By lafclayton RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen My husband bought a bag of Snail Poison at Lowe's home improvement center and through out around our house because we had hundreds. It got rid of snails, ants, and everything else. I see an ant every once in a while, but when it rains they are gone for days again. I am going to continue using the snail poison every spring. Be careful of small children and pets. (07/24/2009) By grannygirl RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I have found cinnamon repels ants; I read this online somewhere and it worked in my case. I sprinkled it on the countertops behind things setting on the counter and in the upper cabinets. I won't use chemicals of any kind. (07/24/2009) By TXBetty RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Terro works great. You put on a piece of cardboard and let them feast. They take it back to the nest and then share it with the others and the queen and they all die. It works great. You have to be patient and not kill them while they are feasting. I know it is hard. I live in FL and the bug man says they come in around the water pipes so he said put the Terro in the places where they come in from. Good luck. (07/24/2009) By caraing RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I had a terrible problem with ants a few years back. I tried cinnamon (didn't work), baking powder (didn't work), and Terro (didn't work). Then I bought ant spray. I cleaned off my counters and sprayed ant spray all over, especially the cracks and crevices of the wall and counter. Let it dry for an hour or so. Go back and wash down the counter to make it food ready, but leave the cracks and crevices. Don't wash those. Of course, you will need to be very careful about food touching those areas. It was the only thing that worked for me. I did leave the Terro blocks out also. So maybe it was a combination of both. There are times when going "green" just doesn't work and you have to resort to chemicals. (07/25/2009) By Noella RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen We have them every year starting in early spring time. My roommate bought some stuff called: Spectracide Bug Stop Indoor Plus Outdoor Insect Killer. It controls for up to 9 months with just one application. It has really worked for us each year. I try to tell everyone I know about it so they can try it for themselves. (08/02/2009) By 1burrell Report Spam or Abuse Request: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Archived on 07/21/2009 How do you get rid of kitchen ants? Jeanine from Nashville, TN Feedback: Harry Where I live we have two kinds of ants. Small red ants and carpenter ants. Two years ago I had both kinds in my kitchen and bath rooms. I called an exterminator. He laid down a chemical on the outside of the foundation. The ants were gone within two days. The guy told me ant traps and other stuff people use doesn't get rid of the ants. You have to use a bait type chemical which is what he put down around the foundation. The ants take the chemical back to the nest and digest it. That clears out the nest.The ants enter the house through the smallest of openings around the foundation, water lines and other electrical cables. (02/04/2009) RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen ORANGE GUARD: http://www.orangeguard.com/story.html Read the above URL: It's about a product called "Orange Guard". Orange Guard is made of non-toxic orange peals and it kills ants and other household bugs without harming kids, pets, or food. It's safe to use in the kitchen. http://www.greenhome.com/products/pest_control/household_pests/101736/ Here's what they say: Orange Guard a 100% biodegradable non-toxic pest spray is the original organic bug killer. Orange Guard is "the" environmentally friendly insect repellent for use in your kitchen, on pet bedding, or anywhere in your house. All ingredients in this natural insect repellent are allergen-free and classified by the FDA as food grade. It is safe to use around food, humans, and pets. Other places to buy: http://www.orangeguard.com/buy.html You can buy it at Whole Foods Or search the internet (02/04/2009) By Cyinda RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I had ants one year and it drove me crazy. I tried all the "green" ideas and nothing worked. I finally completely cleared my counter, washed it good, and sprayed the crevices with ant spray. I used a paper towel to wipe up most of the spray from the counter, making sure to leave the spray in the crevice (mostly where the sink met the counter and the counter met the wall. It was not caulked.) After I was sure everything was dry, I went back with soap and water and cleaned the entire counter area again to make sure that whatever area that food might come in contact with didn't contain any ant spray. I was just very careful with food in the area where the counter met the sink because I didn't want to completely wash that away. It did work and very quickly too. They did not come back. (02/06/2009) By Noella RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Home Depot and Lowe's both sell a product called "Grants for Ants". There are about 10 little metal "houses" in the package that you can put around your kitchen, baths, and outside of your home. This is the only product that got rid of my ants here in Florida. The product does have a small amount of arsenic in it, but it is sealed inside the little metal house. Make sure you wash your hands after handling the product. My mother always used cinnamon. (02/06/2009) By florida gal RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Insects today are very immune to most "green" remedies. Buy some "Terro" ant killer. Two drops on the sink side, and they will be gone in a week or less. You can get it at most any department store. And it is easy to clean up, and easy to place out of the reach of pets and kids too. (02/07/2009) By Dedeswrkshop RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Try mixing Borax with icing sugar, and sprinkle around. They apparently carry this back to the nest, so not only do they poison themselves, but also the other ants. Make sure kids and pets can't get to this powder though, it is poisonous. (02/07/2009) By Cathy from Townville, QLD RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I Use Raid Ant traps. They (the ants) swarm to what's inside and before you know it, they are gone. Worked for me. (02/12/2009) By touchoflace Report Spam or Abuse Request: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Archived on 02/04/2009 How can I deal with ants in the kitchen? Bill from Boynton Beach, FL Answers: RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Great tip about the peppermint oil. I'll have to try that next time. I had some success with Borax and icing sugar mixed together, but I eventually had to find the entry point. I noticed some ants around the gas line entering my foundation walls, and caulked up the little gap. There was an old line that ran up into the floor underneath my stove. I also caulked up a gap between the dining room baseboard and the floor. They were coming in through there. I used clear silicone caulking in a tube. Very easy and you don't even see it. Tape it off. Run a bead. Wet your finger with water and smooth it over the bead. Or use a glove. (08/18/2008) By Guest RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen We swear by Sun and Earth cleaner. A combination of orange and coconut oils. Kills ants fast and discourages them from returning. Safe for counters and around kids and pets. (08/18/2008) By chriself RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I had the same problem last year and was at my wits end until our neighbor came by and sprinkled Sevin dust outside where they were coming in at and I was never bothered again by ants. That stuff really works. (08/19/2008) By busdrivr RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I had ants in the kitchen in Florida, they were biting and I tried the pepper which sent them crawling home and then I sealed up there place where they were getting in with cinnamon paste made by adding water. It seems to have done the trick. (08/27/2008) By Roberta RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen More than likely you are dealing with Argentine Ants. This type of ants does not make any mounds so it is always hard to locate outside. First, is to take a look outside for any ant trails entering into home, along the structure, around any deck posts, fence lines, sidewalks, etc. If you cannot see any trails take a rake and pull any landscape up around the foundation of the structure. You should find ants scattering if they are disturbed. If outside is clear you might have a wall viad issue, if that's the case hire a professional. Best of Luck. (09/08/2008) By www.pestfreegogreen.com RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Spray ants with Lemon Pledge. This stops all ant movement, as they are frozen in their tracks. Let dry. Wipe with paper towels and toss in trash can. No "gritty" feeling when wiping. No poison. Nice smell. Shiny surface. Ant scent trail destroyed. Please let me know if you try this and how it worked for you. (12/16/2008) By cj Report Spam or Abuse Request: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Archived on 08/15/2008 Please help me to get rid of the ants!! I do not leave any food out and I keep my kitchen spotless but ants are all around my sink, counters and wall in my kitchen. Thanks, Geri in KY. Answers: RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen This time of the year they are "swarming," or just exploring. They will usually "just leave on their own." But you can use boric acid to create "defense lines," as it were. (05/05/2004) By Dr. Jose RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I have found this stuff called "Tero" to work best on ants. The ants will take the Tero back to their nests to feed it to their queen which will end up killing the colony. They are attracted to its sweet tasting liquid. You can check with different stores, but I have found it in Lowe's, Home Depot, pharmacy's like Walgreens, and I found it in WalMart. If you can't find it, check with your local pest control company like Terminix and they can give you some ideas as to how to control them. (05/08/2004) By Melissa RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Mix white vinegar with equal parts water. Put in spray bottle and spritz ants. Sudden death to ants and some other bugs and this is human and pet safe. (05/25/2004) By M.B.Wright RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I have had the same problem for about 8 years. The only thing I have found, that works, is Terro. I find it takes care of them for a while. They seem to come back every couple months though, so I have a constant battle on my hands. (07/05/2004) By Gale RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I use old fashioned grits, sprinkle them on your counter but don't get them wet. The ants love these and when they eat them the grits swell up and the ants die. Two things to remember: they must be the old fashioned grits (not the quick kind) and you must keep the grits dry away from moisture. (09/10/2004) By Diana Dwyer RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I put cinnamon along the bottom of my doors leading to outside (it is pet friendly). This keeps the ants from entering the house. You can also use cayenne pepper (not as pet/child friendly). The ants do not like to cross either of these. (07/18/2005) By melissa RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I had ant problems too, coming into my bathroom. Someone told me to sprinkle baby powder and that the ants wouldn't cross it. Guess what, it worked! gail2656 (07/18/2005) By gail2656 RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Ants absolutely hate peppermint oil. Sprinkle a few drops in area where ants are and they will disappear very quickly. (03/04/2007) By Sharon RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Windex. Spray on counters, surfaces or directly on ants. It really works. (09/05/2007) By lw RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I used to have a mobile home that was located way out in the country, and the ants liked to take up refuge in my kitchen. The small black ants (also known as sugar ants) didn't concern me as much. It was the ones that bite I hate. I was told to use salt, and plain and simple it worked. They just kind of went away. (09/28/2007) By Tabitha RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Mix equal parts of 20 Mule Team Borax Laundry Detergent and white sugar. You can put it in shallow jar lids or little pieces of aluminum foil or you can just sprinkle it on your counter tops. But try not to let it get wet. The ants will eat it and carry it back to the nest and feed it to the queen. This works for sugar ants. For other types, try Amdro Ant Block. This is a poisonous bait. You can also sprinkle the Amdro Ant Block on the ground around the perimeter of you house. You will have to reapply it every few months. But it will kill the ants before they come in your house. Wood ants are especially bad because they will destroy your house just like termites will. This bait won't work on termites, but it does work on wood ants and many other kinds of ants. (10/29/2007) By Robert Howard RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Pure eucalyptus oil, not oil with a carrier, 1 part oil 4 parts water shake and use, spray using the finest setting. One or two sprays will kill some and the rest will go. Have to repeat as they return but after a few sprays over a few days, only the scout ants will come looking. Just give a very light spray, spray around the entry places and around any obvious food places like dog bowls etc. 50mm oil lasted me 2 weeks (02/06/2008) By Bill-- Australia RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Terro isn't as good since they took the arsenic out of it. I have found that the little buggers just go away on their own eventually. Yes, they are annoying, and cayenne pepper, boric acid powder really work for short periods of time. (03/23/2008) By Jan RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen Add ammonia to Windex or any glass cleaner, spray the buggers and mop them up with hot water. Repeat as needed. Works. (04/24/2008) By Linny RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen I read a posting about using peppermint essential oil. Since I knew the ants were coming in from my outlet I put the oil around the face plate. I used a wet cloth to kill the ants that were already on my counter top, and that has ended my ant problem. Best part was I didn't use any toxins and my kitchen smells like peppermint. The results were immediate. (07/17/2008) By Ray White RE: Getting Rid of Ants in Kitchen After having tried vinegar, cinnamon, and black pepper, which seemed to work to a point, I just tried dabbing peppermint oil around where the ants were coming in. I sat back and watched as they sped up, raced around, then disappeared! I just hope it lasts and they stay away! Thanks for the suggestion. (07/24/2008) By Penelope Report Spam or Abuse