Are you tired of those uninvited pantry ants ruining your snack-time vibes? You’re just in luck for we have the ultimate guide on how to get rid of pantry ants and reclaim your pantry.
Things you need to get rid of pantry ants…
Essential oils (peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus)
Ant baits (bait stations or gel baits)
Ant sprays (residual and non-residual sprays)
Insect growth regulators (IGRs)
Now that you have all your tools and materials ready, let’s get rid of those ants…
Video: How to Get Rid of Pantry Ants
Prefer video? Here’s our video on how to get rid of pantry ants…
Identify the type of ants
Pantry ants are a common household pest that can invade your home in search of food and shelter. They’re called “pantry” ants because they often infest areas where food is stored, such as your kitchen cabinets, shelves, and, of course, the pantry.
Before we can tackle these pesky insects, we need to figure out which type we’re dealing with. The most common types of pantry ants you might encounter are odorous house ants, pharaoh ants, pavement ants, and Argentine ants. Identifying the correct species is crucial for selecting the right treatment to get rid of them effectively.
Now, let’s get up close and personal with each type:
Odorous house ants: These little ants are dark brown or black and about 1/16 to 1/8 inches long. When crushed, they release an unpleasant odor that smells like rotten coconuts. They love sweets and are often found trailing around your kitchen in search of sugary treats.
Pharaoh ants: These tiny ants are light yellow to reddish-brown and only about 1/16 inches long. They can be a real pain to deal with, as they’re known for their multiple nesting sites and ability to split into separate colonies when disturbed. They’re attracted to a wide range of foods, so keep an eye out for them around your pantry.
Pavement ants: Dark brown to blackish in color, these ants are around 1/8 inches long. You’ll usually find them nesting outdoors under stones, pavement, or concrete slabs. However, they may venture inside your home in search of food, especially during winter. They’re attracted to greasy and sweet foods, so don’t be surprised if you find them near spills or crumbs.
Argentine ants: These ants are light to dark brown and about 1/8 inches long. Native to South America, they’re now found worldwide. Argentine ants are particularly notorious for their massive colonies and aggressive nature, making them a formidable foe. They’re attracted to sweet foods, so be cautious with any spills or open containers.
To determine the species of ants in your pantry, start by observing their physical characteristics, such as color, size, and shape. Next, pay attention to their behavior, like their food preferences or nesting habits. You can also take a few clear pictures of the ants and compare them with online resources or consult with a local pest control expert.
Once you’ve identified the type of pantry ants you’re dealing with, you’ll be in a much better position to choose the most effective treatment method.
Inspect the area
A thorough inspection is essential to figuring out how they’re getting in and where they’re hiding. Let’s break down the process into two main steps: locating entry points and finding their nests.
Locate ant entry points
Grab a flashlight and start by checking around your windows for any signs of ants. Look for trails or clusters of ants, particularly near gaps or damaged seals. If you spot any, it’s a good sign that they’re using your windows as a way to get in.
Next up, inspect your doors, focusing on the areas around the door frame, weather stripping, and under the door itself. If you see any gaps or damage, it could be an entry point for the ants. Don’t forget to check any sliding glass doors or pet doors, too!
Finally, take a walk around the exterior of your home, searching for any cracks or crevices in the walls, foundation, or siding. Ants are quite adept at squeezing through tiny openings, so even the smallest gap could be a potential entry point.
Locate ant nests
To find an indoor ant nest, follow the ant trails you’ve spotted during your inspection. These trails can lead you to their nesting site, which might be in your walls, under your floors, or even in your cabinetry. Be patient, as it might take some time to trace their path back to the nest.
For outdoor nests, scout the perimeter of your home, focusing on areas with vegetation or piles of debris. Ants often nest in soil, under rocks, or in mulch. Keep an eye out for small mounds of dirt or sand, which could be signs of an ant nest nearby.
Inspecting the area is a crucial step in dealing with pantry ants. By locating their entry points and nests, you’ll be able to target your efforts more effectively, ensuring that you not only get rid of the ants currently in your home but also prevent future invasions.
Clean and remove attractants
The key here is to make your space less appealing to ants by eliminating sources of food, water, and shelter. Let’s discuss the different steps you can take to create a less inviting environment for these pesky intruders.
Store food properly
One of the best ways to keep ants out of your food is by storing it in airtight containers. These containers make it difficult for ants to smell or access your food, which means they’ll be less likely to invade your pantry. So, go ahead and transfer your cereals, grains, pasta, and other pantry items into airtight containers.
If you have any open packages of food, make sure to seal them up tightly with clips or, better yet, transfer the contents to airtight containers. This will help prevent ants from sniffing out an easy meal.
Wipe down surfaces
Regularly clean your countertops, removing any crumbs or spills that might attract ants. Use a mild soap and water solution or an all-purpose cleaner to keep those surfaces sparkling clean and ant-free.
Don’t forget about the shelves in your pantry and cabinets! Wipe them down regularly to remove any food debris or spills that could entice ants to visit.
Sweep and mop your floors regularly, paying special attention to the areas around your pantry and other food storage spots. This will help keep any stray crumbs or spills in check, making your kitchen less appealing to ants.
Dispose of garbage regularly
Take out the trash frequently, especially if it contains food waste. Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids to keep ants from getting in.
Fix moisture problems
Ants, like all living creatures, need water to survive. So, if you have any leaky pipes or faucets in your home, they could be attracting ants. Fix those leaks as soon as possible to remove a potential water source for the ants.
Areas with high humidity, like kitchens and bathrooms, can also attract ants. Make sure these spaces are well-ventilated to reduce moisture buildup. You might want to consider using a dehumidifier or an exhaust fan to help keep humidity levels in check.
Use natural remedies
There are several safe and eco-friendly remedies that can help you tackle those pesky intruders. Let’s go over some of these natural solutions and how to use them effectively:
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It’s a natural insecticide that can help you get rid of ants by damaging their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
To use DE, simply sprinkle a thin layer around the areas where you’ve seen ant activity, like near entry points, along ant trails, or around the perimeter of your home.
Make sure to use food-grade DE and keep it dry for the best results.
White vinegar
White vinegar is not only a great cleaning agent, but it can also help deter ants by disrupting their scent trails.
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to clean your countertops, shelves, and floors. You can also spray it directly onto the ants or near their entry points.
The strong smell of vinegar will help mask the ants’ pheromone trails, making it harder for them to navigate and communicate.
Baking soda and powdered sugar
Create a homemade ant bait by mixing equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar. The sugar will attract the ants, while the baking soda will react with their digestive systems, eventually killing them.
Place small piles of this mixture near ant trails or where you’ve seen ants in your home. Be patient, as it might take a few days for the ants to take the bait and share it with their colony.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is another natural remedy that can help disrupt ant scent trails. Mix equal parts water and fresh lemon juice in a spray bottle and use it to clean surfaces where you’ve seen ant activity. You can also spray it around entry points or directly onto the ants. The strong citrus smell will help confuse the ants and deter them from coming back.
Essential oils (peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus)
Essential oils can be an effective and pleasant-smelling way to keep ants at bay. To use essential oils, mix a few drops of your chosen oil (peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus) with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the mixture along ant trails, around entry points, and in areas where you’ve seen ant activity. The strong scent of the oils will help repel the ants and make your home less attractive to them.
Got a problem with another type of ant? Check out this page: How to Get Rid of Ants — Everything You Need
Apply chemical treatments
If you find that natural remedies aren’t quite doing the trick, you might consider using chemical treatments to tackle your pantry ant problem. These treatments can be quite effective, but it’s essential to use them with caution, especially if you have kids or pets.
Let’s look at the different types of chemical treatments and how to use them safely and effectively:
Ant baits
Bait stations: Bait stations are small plastic containers filled with slow-acting poison mixed with an attractive food source for ants. To use them, place the bait stations near ant trails or where you’ve seen ant activity. The worker ants will take the bait back to their colony, where it will be shared with other ants, including the queen. Over time, the poison will work its way through the colony, helping to eliminate it. Be sure to keep bait stations out of reach of children and pets.
Gel baits: Gel baits work similarly to bait stations, but they come in a squeezable tube or syringe. To use gel baits, apply small dots of the gel near ant trails, entry points, or areas of ant activity. Just like with bait stations, the worker ants will bring the bait back to the colony, eventually killing it. Make sure to keep the gel bait away from children and pets.
Ant sprays
Residual sprays: Residual sprays are insecticides that leave a long-lasting residue on surfaces, helping to kill ants that come into contact with it. To use a residual spray, apply it along baseboards, around windows and doors, and in other areas where you’ve seen ants. Be sure to follow the product’s instructions and safety precautions. Keep in mind that residual sprays may not be ideal for use in food preparation areas.
Non-residual sprays: Non-residual sprays are fast-acting insecticides that kill ants on contact, but they don’t leave a residue behind. These sprays can be used to spot-treat areas where you see ants, but they won’t provide long-term control. As with residual sprays, follow the product’s instructions and safety precautions.
Insect growth regulators (IGRs)
IGRs are chemicals that interfere with an insect’s growth and development, preventing them from reaching maturity and reproducing. They can be used in combination with ant baits to help control ant populations.
To use an IGR, mix it with bait or apply it according to the product’s instructions. Keep in mind that IGRs may take some time to show results, as they work by disrupting the ants’ life cycle rather than killing them outright.
When using chemical treatments, always read and follow the product’s label and safety guidelines. If you’re unsure about the best treatment for your specific ant problem, consider consulting with a professional pest control expert.
Seal entry points
Now that you’ve tackled those pesky pantry ants with either natural remedies or chemical treatments, it’s time to make sure they don’t make a comeback. One of the best ways to do this is by sealing up any entry points they might be using to get into your home. Let’s go over two effective ways to seal those entry points and keep the ants out for good:
Caulk gaps and cracks
Caulking is an excellent way to seal up small gaps and cracks that ants might be using to get inside. To get started, you’ll need a caulking gun and a tube of caulk (choose a paintable, waterproof caulk suitable for indoor and outdoor use).
Clean the area around the gaps or cracks around your windows, doors, pipes, and electrical outlets you noticed during your earlier inspection. Ensure that you remove any dirt or debris around such areas.
Load the caulk tube into the caulking gun and cut the tip at a 45-degree angle.
Apply a steady bead of caulk along the gap or crack, pressing the caulk into the opening as you go.
Smooth the caulk with a wet finger or a caulk smoothing tool to create a neat, finished appearance.
Allow the caulk to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Install door sweeps and weather stripping
Door sweeps and weather stripping can help seal up gaps around your doors, preventing ants from sneaking in.
Start by measuring the bottom and sides of your door to determine the length of door sweep and weather stripping you’ll need.
Purchase a door sweep and weather stripping suitable for your door type (make sure they’re designed to seal gaps of the size you’re dealing with).
For the door sweep, cut it to the appropriate length, and then attach it to the bottom of your door using the provided screws or adhesive, ensuring it’s tight against the threshold.
For weather stripping, cut it to the correct length for each side of the door. Peel off the backing and press the adhesive side of the weather stripping onto the door frame or jamb, making sure it compresses slightly when the door is closed to create a tight seal.
Seek professional help
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, those pesky pantry ants can prove to be quite stubborn. If you’ve tried all the DIY methods we’ve discussed and you’re still struggling with an ant problem, it might be time to seek professional help. This is all the more important if the infestation is large or you’re dealing with some ant species such as Pharoah or Argentine ants. These ants can be more challenging to control due to their unique nesting and foraging behaviors.