As temperatures rise in Utah, so does ant activity. Ants are constantly searching for food and water, and your kitchen offers both. Once one scout finds a crumb or spill, the rest of the colony isn’t far behind. During summer months, it's common for homeowners to notice long lines of ants invading counters, pantries, and sinks.
Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent ants from turning your kitchen into their personal buffet. Here’s how to keep ants out before they become a major problem.
Ants have an incredible sense of smell and will zero in on even the smallest food particles. To make your kitchen less inviting:
Also, be sure to rinse dishes and load the dishwasher right away—leftovers on plates are an open invitation.
Full trash cans are a favorite hangout for ants. Empty your kitchen garbage frequently, especially if it contains food scraps or sweet packaging. Keep your trash bins clean and use liners to reduce buildup inside.
If you have a compost bin, keep it outside and away from your home's foundation.
Ants don’t just need food—they also seek out water sources. Leaky faucets, under-sink moisture, and damp rags can attract thirsty ants. Repair plumbing issues quickly and ensure your kitchen stays dry, especially in hidden or hard-to-reach spots.
Most ants enter through tiny cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards. Inspect your kitchen for possible entry points and seal them using caulk or weatherstripping. Focus on:
You can also install door sweeps and keep screens in good condition to reduce access points.
If you’re already seeing a few ants, try natural deterrents like:
For more serious activity, place ant bait stations in areas where you’ve noticed traffic. These work by attracting ants and carrying poison back to the colony.
If ant problems persist despite your best efforts, it’s time to call in the pros. At Bliss Pest Services, we identify the ant species, locate the source of the infestation, and apply safe, effective treatments that eliminate ants at the colony level—not just the surface.
We also provide prevention plans to help keep your kitchen ant-free all summer long.
A clean kitchen should be yours—not theirs. If ants are invading your space, let Bliss Pest Services help. Contact us today for a free quote and let our expert team create a plan that keeps pests out for good.