Ants in the Kitchen?  Here's How to Reclaim Your Space

As temperatures rise in the Hampton Roads and Outer Banks regions, homeowners often find uninvited guests marching across their kitchen counters: ants. These tiny intruders are more than just a nuisance; they can contaminate food and become a persistent problem if not addressed promptly.

Why Ants Invade Your Kitchen

Ants are constantly on the hunt for food and water. Your kitchen, with its abundance of crumbs, spills, and accessible food sources, becomes an ideal foraging ground. Even the smallest morsel can attract a trail of ants, leading them straight into your home.


They send out scouts to locate:


  • Crumbs and food residue on counters and floors
  • Open containers or poorly sealed packaging
  • Dripping faucets or standing water near sinks
  • Grease and spills around stovetops or trash bins
  • Even pet food bowls can become a buffet if left out too long.

Common Culprits

Odorous House Ants: Known for the rotten coconut smell they emit when crushed, these ants are attracted to sweet substances.


Pavement Ants: Often found nesting under floors or within walls, they can become a significant indoor problem.


Argentine Ants: Highly adaptable, they form extensive colonies and are difficult to control once established.

Effective Prevention Strategy

Here’s how to get ahead of the invasion:


  1. Wipe down counters with vinegar or lemon juice (removes scent trails), or even a bleach product
  2. Seal up food in airtight containers
  3. Vacuum daily to eliminate crumbs and food dust
  4. Take out the trash regularly and clean the can itself
  5. Fix leaks under sinks or near appliances
  6. Use bait traps as a short-term DIY method (ants carry poison back to the colony)


These steps can offer temporary relief — but if ants keep returning, the problem likely runs deeper than the surface.

Why DIY Doesn't Always Work

While baits and sprays may reduce visible ants, they rarely reach the root, the nest itself. Ant colonies can be massive, hidden behind walls or under floors, and killing scouts without disrupting the queen just leads to a stronger comeback.


That’s where targeted treatment and proper identification really matter.

Four Seasons Pest Control Has the Solution

If you’ve tried everything and the ants are still coming, we’ve got your back. At Four Seasons Pest Control, we know how to safely and effectively eliminate ant colonies at the source, without harsh odors or invasive processes.


We serve homes across Hampton Roads, VA and the Outer Banks of NC, and we’re here to help you reclaim your kitchen.  Reach out today and let’s get those ants out, for good.

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