There’s nothing worse than waking up to that first cup of tea or coffee, only to find ants crawling all over the sugar bowl. Not only do you need to get rid of them, but now you also have to replace the sugar!
Find out how to get rid of those irritating 6 legged insects in your kitchen (and throughout your home). If you’ve got ants in your office or commercial premises, check this article here.
Understanding the Ant Problem
First, you need to understand why ants are attracted to your kitchen in the first place.
Ants love food sources, moisture, and warmth. They’re very good at finding them, no matter where they are.
Kitchens are perfect because they have all these conditions which makes them them an ideal place for ants.
The following ants are the most common species in eastern Australia (Eastern Suburbs of Sydney):
- Odorous House Ants: These ants are known to infest kitchens and are attracted to sweet substances. They are commonly found in Australian households and commercial buildings.
- Little Black Ants: This term could refer to several species, but the Black House Ant (Ochetellus glaber) is a common species found in Australian kitchens. They are attracted to sweet foods and can be found in various parts of the house, including kitchens.
- Pharaoh Ants: While pharaoh ants are common in some parts of the world, they are relatively rare in Australia. However, they can be found in certain regions, particularly in urban areas, and are known to infest buildings and kitchens.
- Argentine Ants: Known for their invasive nature and ability to form dense colonies. They are attracted to sweet and oily foods.
- Coastal Brown Ants: Common in coastal regions of Australia, they are known to infest buildings and kitchens, feeding on a wide range of materials including sweet substances and proteins.
- Green Headed Ants: While not exclusively kitchen pests, they can be found in kitchens, particularly in coastal regions. They are known for their painful sting and are attracted to sweet substances.
Preparation is Key
Before you start trying to get rid of ants in the kitchen, you need to prepare. Start by thoroughly cleaning and decluttering your kitchen. Remove any food sources, including crumbs, spills, and dirty dishes. Wipe down all surfaces with soap and water, and dry them completely. After that, identify and seal all entry points. Ants can enter your kitchen through the smallest cracks and crevices, so make sure to seal all openings around windows, doors, and pipes.
Natural Methods to Get Rid of Ants
If you prefer not to use chemicals, there are several natural methods to get rid of ants. One effective way is to use a vinegar and water solution. Take the water and vinegar (equal parts) in a spray bottle and spray it directly on ants and their trails. The acidity of the vinegar will repel ants and disrupt their trails.
Another natural method that is useful to get rid of ants in the kitchen, is to use cinnamon essential oils to get rid of ants naturally. It is one of the most effective household repellents widely used by households in Australia. Cinnamon essential oils and cayenne pepper can be sprinkled along ant trails and around entry points. Ants really hate the smell of these spices and will avoid them.
The BHG online magazine gives some good recipes for natural remedies for ant infestation in Australian homes including one with peanut butter and borax.
Oil from the lemon eucalyptus tree is another natural insect repellent. It has citronella in it (long known to repel mosquitos when used in candles) which a study by the National Center for Biotechnology conducted, can also repel some ant species.
Mix a few drops of these oils with water and spray them around your kitchen.
Cinnamon Essential Oil for Red Fire Ant
Cinnamon essential oils have shown promising results in controlling ant populations. A study conducted on the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) found that the leaf essential oil from the indigenous cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) exhibited excellent toxicity against this invasive species. The primary active component, trans-cinnamaldehyde, which makes up 79.85% of the oil, has been particularly effective. In open and close exposure tests, the essential oil demonstrated rapid action in neutralizing ants, with LT50 values as low as 18.5 minutes in certain conditions. (2008 Science Direct).
Trans-cinnamaldehyde interferes with the ants’ pheromone trails, preventing them from communicating and establishing colonies.
In this study cinnamon essential oil was shown to be effective in repelling the red imported fire ant, a species known to cause significant agricultural damage across Australia.
According to this research, the red imported fire ant causes $5bn in crop damage across Australia, the United States of America and New Zealand. Traditionally, these red ants have been eradicated using baits and chemicals. There is a cost to human and ecological health. As a result, researchers have been looking for safe, non pollutant, natural solutions to ant infestations.
According to a study published in Bioresource Technology, cinnamon leaf essential oil is not only effective in killing ants but also offers a safe, non-toxic alternative to chemical insecticides. (Bioresource Technology 2008)
Unlike chemical insecticides like pyrethroids and organophosphates, which contribute to pollution and pose health risks, cinnamon leaf essential oil is a natural and eco-friendly alternative. As research suggests, it is not only effective in controlling ants but also reduces the environmental impact associated with chemical use.
To use cinnamon essential oil, mix a few drops with water and spray it along ant trails and around entry points. Its natural composition, especially the trans-cinnamaldehyde, disrupts the ants’ ability to establish colonies and follow scent trails.
Chemical Methods to Get Rid of Ants in the Kitchen
If natural methods don’t work to get rid of ants in the kitchen, you may need to use chemical methods to get rid of ants. Boric acid is a common and effective chemical used to kill ants. Sprinkle boric acid powder along ant trails and around entry points.
Some bait traps contain boric acid or borax, while others contain hydramethylnon. This is a dangerous chemical compound for children, pets, and growing food like tomato plants.
Ants will carry the powder back to their colonies, killing them and their queen. Ant baits are another effective chemical method. These baits contain a slow-acting poison that allows ants to return to their colonies and kill the queen.
Sprays and gels can also be used to kill ants on contact. However, these methods may not eliminate the entire colony and may require repeated use.
Prevention is the Best Solution
The best way to get rid of ants in your kitchen is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Regular cleaning and decluttering can go a long way in preventing ant infestations.
Make sure to store food properly in sealed containers and clean up spills immediately. Seal all entry points and keep your kitchen dry and clean.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your kitchen ant-free and prevent future infestations.
Getting rid of ants in your kitchen is not a difficult task. With a little preparation, some natural or chemical methods, and regular prevention, you can keep your kitchen ant-free. Remember, the key to preventing ant infestations is to keep your kitchen clean, dry, and free of food sources. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy an ant-free kitchen and a healthier home.
If you need a professional pest controller to get rid of the ants in the kitchen, then call Jason at South Sydney Pest Control.