How To: Keep Ants Out Of Your Kitchen This Summer

While everyone is having fun outdoors this summer, ants prefer heading inside. They'll invade your house in search of food to take back to their nest before coming back for more. Your first thought may be to kill the ants with bug spray or something similar, but the best way to deal with an ant problem is to prevent them from getting into the house in the first place. As a leader in cheap domestic appliance deals in Andover, we understand the frustration ants can cause for homeowners. So, to help you prevent them this summer, we've pulled together all of the best ant infestation prevention tips we could find for this handy list.

1. Block Entrances

Ants are fascinating creatures with impressive abilities, such as squeezing through tiny gaps and their weight to body strength. However, it can be pretty frustrating when these tiny insects invade your space. Luckily, it is relatively easy to find their entrance points. If you notice a line of ants, it’s simple to trace it back to the opening. But if you can't see a visible trail, you'll need to look around for any holes or gaps they may be using.

Once you locate the entrance, the next step is to block it up as best you can. This will prevent the ants from coming in and causing more trouble. Obstructing all potential entry points is essential, as ants can fit through even the tiniest gaps. To achieve the best results, you can use sealants or caulk to block the holes. However, if the openings are significant, you may need some mesh or tape to reinforce the blockage. With persistence and the right tools, you can keep those pesky ants out of your space for good.

2. Cleaning

You need to maintain a clean and tidy space to prevent ants from invading your kitchen. Start cleaning dirty dishes immediately after meals and regularly wipe down counters and surfaces. Even the tiniest crumb or spill can attract ants, so it's essential to be extra vigilant with your cleaning practices. Proper food storage is also important to avoid attracting ants, so keep all food in airtight containers and seal open packages tightly. It's also crucial to vacuum floors at least once a week, paying special attention to nooks and crannies where crumbs and spills can accumulate.

By following these simple tips and diligently cleaning, you can keep your kitchen free from ants and other pests. Prevention is key, so it's better to be proactive in cleaning than deal with an ant infestation later on.

3. Vinegar

If you're looking for a natural and effective way to repel ants, vinegar may be your solution. Ants and other insects hate the smell of vinegar and will avoid it at all costs. Fortunately, vinegar is a natural cleaning agent, making it an excellent choice for keeping your home clean and free from ants. To use vinegar as an ant repellent, create a half-and-half mixture of white vinegar and water and use it to clean your surfaces regularly. This will not only keep your surfaces clean, but it will also prevent ants from walking across them.

Another way to use vinegar is to create a line across the base of doorways and windows. This will create a barrier that ants won't want to cross, preventing them from entering your home. Vinegar has the added benefit of destroying the scent trails ants use to find their way around. No scent trail means that any scouts (ants which patrol the nest and search for food) that do make it into your home won't be able to find food and report back to the nest, making it less likely for other ants to follow.

4. Chalk & Talcum Powder

If you're looking for a natural and easy way to repel ants from your kitchen, talcum powder may be the solution. Ants naturally hate the smell and texture of talcum powder, and they won't go near it. One helpful way to use talcum powder is to draw lines that ants can't cross. Trace a line across the base of doorways, windows, and other ant entrances, and ants will be deterred from entering your kitchen. Chalk also contains talcum powder, making it a handy tool and could offer a decorative element to your home.

Another way to use talcum powder is to sprinkle it around areas where you have seen ants. This will create a barrier that ants won't want to cross, and it can help prevent them from returning to your kitchen. It's important to note that while talcum powder effectively repels ants, it won't kill them.

Treat Your Kitchen with New Appliances

At Walworth Appliances, we understand the importance of having a clean and functional kitchen. With our high-quality appliances, either free-standing or integrated, you can keep your kitchen clean and organised, making it less attractive to ants and other pests. We offer many affordable appliances in the Andover and Hampshire areas, including a great collection of big brand names. We have Bosch appliances, Hoover appliances, plus many more, each offering promise of reliability and sleek modern designs.

If you want to upgrade your kitchen appliances, we have you covered. From refrigerators to ovens and everything in between, we have white goods to fit every budget and need. So, don't wait any longer to upgrade your kitchen. Visit our website or stop by our showroom in Andover today to see our selection of cheap appliances in the Andover and Hampshire areas.