7/7/25 1:18 PM

How To Get Rid of Ants in Your Home & Kitchen

Ever open your pantry to grab a snack, only to find an army of ants claiming your kitchen countertops? You're not alone. Ant infestations in Long Island, NY are a common nuisance for homeowners, especially food spaces. This guide is here to help you get rid of ants in your home, and more specifically, how to eliminate ants from your kitchen. We'll cover effective strategies and practical tips, from identifying simple changes that can help keep your living areas ant-free.

Why are Ants in My Home?

Before we dive into eviction strategies, it helps to understand why ants decide to set up shop in your home. Ants are on a constant search for three things: food, water, and shelter.

Searching for Food: When natural food source becomes scarce, perhaps due to dry weather or changing seasons, your pantry becomes a haven for them.
Easy Access to Water: Leaky pipes, condensation, or pet water bowls can be a critical water source for ants.
Shelter from the Weather: Cracks in the foundation or even potted plants can offer ideal nesting sites, especially when it's too hot, too cold, or too wet outside.

Identifying the species of ant you're dealing with can also be helpful. Are they small, dark pavement ants often found near driveways or foundation wall? Or larger, darker ants that indicates carpenter ants? Recognizing their appearance can sometimes point to a specific solution. Knowing what draws them in is the first step to keeping them out.

How to Get Rid of Ants

Track Down the Trail: Ants leave pheromone trails to guide their colony to food sources. Follow the trail back to its entry point and seal it up with caulk or another effective barrier.
Use Natural Solutions:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray the solution wherever you see ant activity. This breaks their scent trails and deters them from returning.
- Sprinkle food-safe diatomaceous earth along ant pathways. It dehydrates ants without harmful chemicals. Don't use a lot of it, only a small amount. Using too much could push ants to other parts of your house.
Clean Like a Pro: Keep countertops, floors, and sinks free of crumbs and spills. Ants are expert scavengers, so cutting off their food supply is key.
Airtight Food Storage: Store all food, including pet food, in sealed containers.
Empty Trash: Don't let food scraps linger in your bin overnight.
Call the Experts: If the infestation persists, consider calling a local pest control company. They know exactly how to eliminate ants while safeguarding your home and family.

How to Prevent an Infestation?

Ants of all kinds are very good about getting into your home. Pavement ants bolster that capability with the habit of nesting under solid surfaces like pavement and concrete. Once they move into your yard, they will consistently explore your house, and you will find yourself dealing with them constantly until they are eradicated.

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks and crevices, especially around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these potential entry points and keep ants out.
Maintain a Clean Kitchen: Regularly wipe down countertops, sweep floors, and wash dishes promptly. Ants are attracted to food residues, so maintaining cleanliness is key to prevention.
Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from your home. Ants often use branches as bridges to enter your house, so maintaining a gap can deter them.
Remove Standing Water: Ants are drawn to moisture, so fix leaky pipes and ensure proper drainage around your property to eliminate potential water sources.
Store food in airtight containers to prevent ants from getting inside.
Properly secure garbage inside and outside your property.
Fix any leaks and make sure water-damaged wood is replaced.

When to Call a Professional

While these DIY methods are effective for many ant problems, sometimes you might need professional assistance. If you have a persistent ant infestation, whether it be carpenter ants or pavement ants, a professional exterminator can offer a more comprehensive solution.

Why Choose EM Pest Control?

Ants are difficult to control without knowing the best ways to address them. If you need to get rid of pavement ants, EM Pest Control stands ready to help you. We have all of the training and experience we need for proper ant control near you.

Dealing with a pavement ant problem at home? As your local pest control experts in Uniondale, NY, we offer tailored pest control solutions to address your ant problems effectively. Schedule an inspection today by calling us down below or email us here to ensure your home remains safe and pest-free.